Direct damages suffered by Bulgarian farmers as a result of the Russian embargo on food imports amount to at least BGN 10 M, according to caretaker Agriculture Minister Vasil Grudev.

Speaking Monday at a press conference in Plovdiv, Grudev said that damages stemming from unperformed contracts with Russia were estimated at BGN 10 M, adding that indirect damages resulting from the decrease in prices and unsold quantities of fruit and vegetables were expected to amount to at least BGN 10 M

Grudev, as cited by the Bulgarian National Radio, noted that the crisis had spread to the sector of milk and dairy products over the past few weeks

He said that the payment of compensations for bluetongue-related animal deaths would start next week.

He made clear that Bulgaria was starting talks with the European Commission for aid amounting to 50-75% of the cost of vaccine against bluetongue, adding that the country needed a total of BGN 3-4 M for the vaccines.

Bulgaria's caretaker Agriculture Minister said that the storage and injection of vaccines constituted administrative costs which had to be covered by Bulgaria.