b'seed in Ukraine came a lot earlier than normal this year.They knew this war was coming. They couldnt clean fast enough, or early enough. So even after the war started, Vladimir was shipping seed. As far back as Feb. 24, we started shipping. We got one container of soybeans out, and then everything got shut down by the shipping lines, Harry says.Labor and fuel remain two big challenges for agri-culture in Ukraine at the moment. The conflict has hadWe will win. We will rebuild everything. reverberations for CanGro in Canada, which was in the process of renewing its five-year agreement with soybeanSeed production will be OK.breeders in Ontario through the University of Guelph.Vladimir ZinchenkoWe have no funds for that at the moment, and we cant ask our partners that are struggling in Ukraine for any money. Its a tough situation for everyone right now, especially people in Ukraine and surrounding countries like Poland and Romania, Harry adds.CanGros relationship with Russia has also changed in light of the conflict, Harry notes.Weve been supplying seed to Russian partners for years, and theyre asking for us to grow seed for themthey are unable to farm as fighting there has been very now. Weve declined at this point in time, because weintense, he says.have to buy it. Its grown in Manitoba for them, and weMy daughter will be two years old this month. So, have to buy it outright. Considering the sanctions put inthere is a desire to take her out of the most dangerous place, I dont think that we will be able to ship to themregions of Ukraine, but our family has no desire to leave even next winter. At this point, its the principle of doingthe country, Zinchenko says.the right thing,Harry says. With Ukrainians in survival mode, Harry said We still have their seed for this year, right or wrong,CanGro staff and partners in Canada have been emo-and were in the process of moving it in the Canadiantionally affected by the conflict and continue to look system. But in Ontario, and even in Manitoba, theresfor ways to help.not a lot of demand for 2400 CHU non-GMO soybeans,You know, you read some of the stories about the unless its a contract-type thing. So, well do what wehardest-hit regions, people killed and other people can and will be moving ahead with soybean productionliving in their basements for over a month. How do you in Ontario. do that? Many of us here in Canada have never had to Harry is in constant contact with his growers inexperience anything like this, Harry says.Ontario. He says he cant guarantee hell be able takeZinchenko remains optimistic, despite the atroci-all their seed come harvest, but they are staying theties committed by Russia in Ukraine. In a photo he sent course, nonetheless. to Seed World Group, a large smile adorns his face Theyve said, Well grow the beans, because wedespite the fact hes holding an automatic weapon, can move them into IP contracts down here. Theyllready to fight at any moment should the need arise.know before harvest whether its seed or whether itsWe will win. We will rebuild everything. Seed grain. At this point in time, when you have a co-workerproduction will be OK. This year we will plant the seeds like Vladimirs carrying a gun defending his country,that we have, and then we will bring in foundation seed hard choices have to be made. and restore everything, he says in his email.Most of Zinchenkos clients received their seed andWhen asked how he can smile in spite of the chal-were able to start spring planting. This applies to thelenges that surround him, his answer illustrates the Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Cherkasy and western regions ofstrength and courage of the Ukrainian people.Ukraine. As for Sumy, Chernigov and southern regions,Our smiles are our secret weapon.SWJUNE 2022SEEDWORLD.COM /27'