Large-scale imports of Argentine sunflower seeds put pressure on Bulgaria’s market

Large-scale imports of sunflower seeds from Argentina are expected to exert significant pressure on Bulgaria’s domestic market, according to the Chairman of the National Association of Grain Producers of Bulgaria, Iliya Prodanov. Speaking on February 23, he warned that the rapid influx of imported raw materials is already weighing on local prices and raising broader concerns within the agricultural sector.

Prodanov emphasized that the key risk stems from differences in production standards between the European Union and South American countries. He noted that more than 90–95% of crop protection products banned in the EU are still widely used in parts of South America. In his view, this creates potential risks for food safety and undermines fair competition on Bulgaria’s agricultural market.

Industry representatives have also questioned whether the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency has sufficient administrative and technical capacity to conduct comprehensive and objective inspections of incoming shipments. Grain producers are calling for stricter state control, including detailed laboratory testing of each imported batch for pesticide residues, heavy metals, and the possible presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

According to Prodanov, approximately 600,000 tonnes of Bulgarian sunflower seeds are currently held in storage. Meanwhile, the volume of imports from Argentina amounts to roughly one-sixth to one-seventh of Bulgaria’s annual production. These supplies are entering the country within a period of about 15 days, creating a short-term price shock and increasing volatility in the agricultural sector.

Producers are therefore urging a revision of existing domestic market protection mechanisms. At present, sunflower seeds are not included in the list of crops shielded from this type of external competition, which, according to the association, heightens risks for Bulgarian farmers and could have long-term implications for national food security.

Tags: Bulgaria, sunseed, Argentina