The Slovak Ministry of Agriculture has announced restrictions on the processing and sale of grain originating from Ukraine. Local reports confirm that these measures include a ban on the distribution of flour made from Ukrainian grain as well.
The same publication notes that health concerns are tied to pesticides detected in Ukrainian wheat, raising alarms about potential risks to consumers. It is stated that these substances are not acceptable for use in EU markets, and questions have been raised about the adequacy of analyses conducted on a significant volume of Ukrainian wheat, reportedly around 1.5 thousand tons.
In response to the developing situation, Samuel Vlčan, the head of Slovakia’s Ministry of Agriculture, plans to engage with Ukraine’s ambassador to Slovakia, Myroslav Kastrán, along with agricultural colleagues from Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Romania. The plan includes coordinating a broader assessment and ensuring the systematic collection of all grain and flour samples from Ukraine currently held within Slovakia, to support informed decision-making.
Meanwhile, Romanian farmers have voiced strong concerns about grain transit and imports from Ukraine. They have warned of a potential nationwide strike beginning on June 7 if authorities do not implement restrictions on Ukrainian grain movements during the window from June 15, 2023, to March 15, 2024.