Ukrainian grain in Bulgaria caused farmers’ protests

In the north of Bulgaria, farmers came out for a protest. Farmers are afraid that cheap Ukrainian grain will lead to bankruptcy of local grain producers.

Protesters blocked the Ruse-Pleven highway near the village of Gorna Studena, using fifty tractors. According to farmers, low prices contribute to the uncompetitiveness of Bulgarian products. At the same time, the duty-free import of wheat and sunflower seeds from Ukraine can allegedly lead to the bankruptcy of farm cooperatives, Radio Bulgaria reports.

Agrarians wrote a note of protest addressed to the Minister of Agriculture and the caretaker government. The statement says that warehouses are full of unsold grain and farmers cannot pay their counterparties.

Protesters also insist on postponing the strategic plan for agriculture, as they are afraid of losing EU subsidies.