b"breeders as they are their main intellectual property assets. TheEUROPES BEST PRACTICES IN THE SEED SECTORrequirement for parent components in DUS testing of hybrids inOptimism is nourished by, among other things, the fact that Ukraine has now been significantly reduced. Registration of parentUkraines Ministry, examination, and control authorities are components on the National List is no longer compulsory. Still, toactively engaging in a collaborative dialogue with seed businesses, import parent components to produce hybrids, the parents shoulddemonstrating a willingness to endorse and co-operate on sensible be present at least on the Patent List of Ukraine. National Listingbusiness initiatives that adhere to European best practices in the remains necessary only in cases of planned commercialization ofseed sector. A dedicated working group, initiated by the Ministry such parent components. In case of production for export, breed- of Agrarian Policy and comprising experts from both regulatory ers might also get authorization under the OECD multiplicationauthorities and the business sector, convenes regularly to address abroad procedure, which in Ukraine was improved with the above- existing challenges in the seed sector. Their primary focus is on mentioned legislation changes.enhancing legislation to establish a highly favorable system for breeders, fostering an appealing and competitive environment. The MAJOR BENEFITS FOR EU SEED COMPANIES Seed Association of Ukraine takes active part in this initiative, Without any doubt, the key change for European seed companiescontributing its expertise and assistance. We are dedicated to foster-in Ukraines regulations is the acceptance of varieties listed in theing international dialogue including, as an example, by organizing European Union onto the Ukrainian National List without fieldexchange sessions with competent authorities from EU countries. trials. This significant political decision of the Ukrainian govern- France and the Netherlands have consistently shown responsiveness ment, decided as a way to support integration in the Europeanand assistance to these exchange sessions. Union, enables Ukrainian farmers to have access to the newest vari-eties simultaneously with their European counterparts, benefitingOPTIMISM PREVAILSboth European seed companies and Ukrainian farmers.Despite all the current challenges and difficulties in Ukraine, the Still, this positive change results in a two-year gap betweenresilience and commitment of Ukrainian authorities and stakehold-gaining National Listing and being granted a PBR patent. Theers leave room for optimism regarding the future development of the Seed Association of Ukraine is currently in negotiations with thecountry's plant breeders rights framework. As Ukraine continues its Ministry to explore potential solutions, such as implementing thealigning with European standards, the collective perseverance and DUS take-over results mechanism as outlined in Ukrainian leg- dedication of key players in the plant breeding area instill confidence islation. in the ongoing and future development of a progressive PBR system in the country. STILL ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENTWhile there is always room for improvement, progress has beenEditors Note: Olga Khranovska is Regulatory Affairs Manager at hindered by the aggressive war. Certain projects have been put onLimagrain in Ukraine.hold, including the development of a well-functioning Farm Saved Seeds (FSS) system, despite the fact that a detailed legal framework based on European regulations was adopted by Ukraines govern-ment several years ago. Nevertheless, we remain optimistic that this initiative will materialize in the future.20ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE"