Ukraine. The law on GMOs was finalized, taking into account most of the comments and reservations

UkrAgroConsult

The Ministry of Agrarian Policy, together with EU representatives, MPs and stakeholders, finalized draft law No. 5839, taking into account most of the comments and reservations.

This was announced by First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy Taras Vysotskyi.

Taras Vysotsky emphasized that it is necessary to create a register and control system for the cultivation of GM crops in order to have clear information on the volume and area of their production. This is especially true for soybeans.

“We need to clearly understand the benefits of non-GMO products on the world market. In particular, it concerns the cultivation of genetically modified corn. The position of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy is not to allow its cultivation and any circulation on the territory of Ukraine,” said the First Deputy Minister.

As for rapeseed, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy proposes to postpone the ban for at least eight years: three years before the law comes into force, and then five more transitional years.

“In fact, our country has made a choice and is clearly heading in the direction of the EU. Therefore, all changes and reforms are also taking place in this vein. And the agricultural sector will work according to the rules established in the EU. Of course, it will take some time to implement them, there will be transitional provisions, and possibly other aspects. As for GMOs, this is a matter of biological safety and there will be no compromises. And all issues in this area must be resolved before Ukraine joins the EU,” said Taras Vysotskyi.

As a reminder, the Ukrainian Grain Association emphasizes that allowing GMO products to be grown in Ukraine may slow down Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

Tags: legislation, Ukraine