Farm minister Plamen Abrovski told reporters in Plovdiv that grain is trading on the Black Sea without problems and that no ship to or from Bulgaria has been turned away.

Abrovski said he spoke with the head of the National Association of Grain Producers and is sure the situation is calm. No emergency steps are needed in Varna and Burgas, and there are no reports of problems in the ports, the minister said.

A support package is ready for grape growers who have not sold their crop. Buyers in the Haskovo and Svilengrad area have already started taking the grapes.

Abrovski said the problem with grapes is the price, not a lack of demand. He said the economy is market-based, so the state cannot step in to set prices.

The minister will also take part in a discussion forum, "The Future of Bulgarian Agriculture – Policies, Competitiveness and Sustainability", which is part of the "Gifts of Thrace" fair.