site.btaBulgarian Agriculture Minister Seeks Extraordinary Meeting of EU AGRIFISH Council to Discuss Russia's Embargo

Sofia, August 10 (BTA) - Bulgaria's Agriculture and Food Minister Vassil Groudev Friday wrote a letter to Italian
Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Minister Maurizio Martina, who holds the rotating presidency of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), requesting the convocation of an extraordinary AGRIFISH meeting, Groudev's Ministry said in a press release.

The EU agriculture ministers should discuss the ban imposed by Russia on the import of fruits, vegetables, meat, meat preparations, fish and other goods from the EU Member States, as well as compensating producers that will be affected by the embargo.

Groudev argued that the EU should adopt a common position and should take quick and adequate measures for the protection of producers. The Minister is of the opinion that Russia's embargo will impact adversely Bulgarian producers and European agriculture in general.

Groudev's request has been joined by his colleagues of the Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Finland, Belgium and Estonia, the press release says.