28 I SEED WORLD EUROPE I SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | MAY 2026 The first tangible outcome came in 2020, when the EU recog nized the equivalence of Ukrainian cereal crops and corn. Following comprehensive assessment, ranging from field inspections to seed processing facilities, these seeds were granted access to the EU market without additional requirements. The next step was to secure equivalence for oilseeds, soybeans and sugar beets. Bolstered by Ukraine’s established reputation, the process moved quickly, with the full-scale Russian invasion as the only major obstacle. In the summer of 2025, the EU officially granted market access for these crops as well. Equivalence status is the result of sustained regulatory reform in the sector. By late 2024, Ukraine had introduced updated rules on seed lot traceability, labelling, and packaging, while also stream lining phytosanitary and quarantine procedures. Some processes are now being digitalized to reduce administrative barriers and facilitate exports. Beginning in September 2026, Ukraine will implement updated requirements for the state oversight of GMOs. This legis lation will define what constitutes a GMO and its sources, establish procedures for placing such products on the market, set out regis tration and permitting protocols, and regulate labelling, state con trol, and liability for non-compliance. For Ukraine, a major global agricultural exporter, this is a pivotal step toward meeting inter national standards and securing long-term integration into global agricultural supply chains. DRIVING INTEGRATION: THE ROLE OF SAU AND EUROSEEDS The Seed Association of Ukraine (SAU) represents plant breeders, seed producers, and suppliers in dialogues with government agencies and European partners. It takes an active role in discussions on changes to market regulations, supports the alignment of Ukraine’s rules with EU standards, and stands behind companies that operate in line with transparent international practices. The long-standing partnership between the SAU and Euroseeds focuses on achieving regulatory equivalence and imple menting European frameworks for the protection of plant breeders’ rights. Intellectual property in the seed sector affects both businesses and the market as a whole, making it an area that requires further strengthening, particularly in terms of practical enforcement. The SAU advocates for a balanced approach that ensures protection of breeders’ rights while not restricting farmers’ access to legal, high-quality seed. It is also critical to maintain continuous monitoring of regulatory shifts currently under discussion within the EU, as clear roadmaps exist mainly for the implementation of previously adopted acts. Active engagement from the professional community therefore remains essential, since full integration into the EU market will require further alignment of quality standards and their practical implementation. In this context, Euroseeds’ support is particularly important. LOOKING AHEAD: FROM RESILIENCE TO GROWTH Recent years have shown that Ukrainian seed producers can navi gate uncertainty and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Their commitment to international standards, combined with an openness to change, has helped build trust with global partners. This is not a temporary adjustment; it is a strategic pivot. Today, seed companies in Ukraine are not just enduring the enduring the ongoing Russian invasion. They are defining their long-term role in global food supply chains, building strategic part nerships, and adopting European regulatory frameworks. Damaged storage facility in Ukraine shows grain inside a structure affected by the Russian invasion, highlighting ongoing challenges in logistics and infrastructure across the seed sector.
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