b"ON THE ROAD TO INTEGRATIONINSIGHTS INTO THE UKRAINIAN SEED INDUSTRY DURING WAR.BY: MARCEL BRUINSW hen Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 Feb. 2022, the biggestimposed limitations on importing Ukrainian agricultural products attack on a European country since the Second Worldto several neighbouring countries, which adversely affected the War began. Now, more than 600 days after the inva- reputation and led to losses for producers, and consequently, the sion, it is easy to overlook all the regular seed related developmentseconomy.that are also happening in Ukraine. To find out more, Seed WorldAmidst these changes, including political ones, EU countries Europe spoke with Siuzana Grygorenko, Executive Director of Seedalso face challenges. However, this remains a united front for free-Association of Ukraine. dom against tyranny. The strength lies in the trust and dialogue amongst partners.SEED WORLD EUROPE (SWE): SIUZANA, CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR COUNTRY? HOWSWE: UKRAINE ADOPTED THE NEW EURO-INTEGRATION LAW IS THE WAR IMPACTING THE UKRAINE SEED SECTOR? REGULATING SEEDS AND VARIETIES. WHAT WILL NOW BE SIUZANA GRYGORENKO (SG): The full-scale war has trans- CHANGING FOR THE UKRAINE SEED SECTOR?formed the entire agricultural sector of Ukraine with no exception.SG: This law is a step towards European integration. The seed Its proper functioning is hindered greatly by both mined and occu- sector began its integration in 2011, making this legislation another pied territories, ongoing mass shelling, the lack of electricity andadvancement in that direction. Its timely adoption is both antici-infrastructure damage. All of those directly impact logistics capabil- pated and necessary. Clear rules and their responsible enforcement ities, crop preservation, and the search for trade routes and exports. are what our partners expect from us. Ukrainian producers can now Despite the challenges, Ukrainian farmers continue to operate,more easily and quickly (without two-year-long studies) introduce seeking solutions and often working without profit. The agriculturalnew varieties that are registered in the EU and/or the USA. The sector is a major source of foreign currency earnings for the coun- document also delineates issues related to the registration of parental try, and now it requires support, assistance, and cooperation withcomponents, a sensitive matter for breeding companies. Regarding partners. Everyone understands that this challenging period mustseeds, manufacturers have been permitted to determine the seed-be endured, to harness potential and resources, and to work towardsing qualities of the seeds. Additionally, the process of importing our shared victory. Nevertheless, the unpredictability makes anynon-registered varieties in Ukraine for research purposes has been long-term planning and forecasting impossible. Therefore, on onesimplified. There's also clarity brought to the roles and responsibil-hand, there's an intensified effort to boost domestic processing andities of relevant authorities, with a streamlined application process attract investments; on the other, there's a constant need to adjustfor electronic registrations and expedited document reviews.plans and actions to the shifting realities.According to Forbes, since the onset of the full-scale invasion,SWE: I UNDERSTAND THAT THE UKRAINE PARLIAMENT the export of Ukrainian goods has decreased by 35 per cent. ThisADOPTED A NEW GM LAW. CAN YOU EXPLAIN A BIT MORE is due to a general reduction in production, with some areas underABOUT THAT LAW, AND HOW DOES THE UKRAINE SEED occupation or rendered unusable; fewer trading partners, blockedSECTOR FEEL ABOUT IT?logistics routes, reduced production volumes in some cases, andSG: The seed sector and the Seed Association of Ukraine support restrictions placed on Ukrainian grain imports. Previously, the EUthe need for clear GMO regulation. The primary objectives of the 6ISEED WORLD EUROPEIEUROPEAN-SEED.COM"