"The export of pork and beef meat from Bulgaria has been restricted. In 2008, some 1,801 tons of beef and 1,200 tons of pork meat have been exported," Kostadin Chorbadzhiyski, chairman of the Association of Meat Processors in Bulgaria, said for FOCUS News Agency.

Pork meat export has increased twice compared to 2007, when only 548 tons have been exported, Mr Chorbadzhiyski said, explaining that chicken meat export is higher but in 2008 it registers 32 per cent drop to 11,800 tons.

"There is a decrease in the traditional lamb meat export, too, which has been dropping since 2005 till now – from 8,263 tons in 2005 to 6,314 tons in 2008. The average price of the exported lamb meat in 2008 ran to USD 6,300/ton for the EU countries and USD 6,800/ton for third countries," Mr Chorbadzhiyski informed.

In August the average reference prices of pork meat in the EU has decreased by 8 per cent against 2008 and were of EUR 154.07/100kg. These rates are higher than the one registered n 2005 and 2006.