The Ukrainian government is adjusting its domestic biotechnology policies to align with European Union (EU) regulations, according to a report by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
As the cultivation of genetically engineered (GE) crops is not permitted in the country, its biotechnology regulatory system remains underdeveloped, according to the 22 December report.
In addition, GE products cannot be legally imported into Ukraine, restricting trade in some agricultural and food commodities.
However, there had been reports of unregistered GE production for specific crops, the report said.
“To date, the government of Ukraine lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework that establishes procedures for approving and registering GE events,” the USDA said.
“Ukrainian opinions towards biotechnology remain divided. The general public’s opinion of GE products is generally negative and is influenced by anti-GE messaging from European countries that is re-posted by local media.”
However, many farmers understand GE crops are more cost-effective and provide better financial outcomes, and are supportive of growing them, according to the “Ukraine: Biotechnology and Other New Production Technologies” report.
“Regardless of the statutory restrictions on the cultivation and importation of GE products, industry sources indicated that some small farmers are likely to cultivate certain GE crops (mainly soyabeans and, more recently, corn) to reduce production costs,” the USDA said.
In 2023, Ukraine adopted a new law on genetic engineering (Law #3339-IX) set to replace the current Biosafety Law in September this year.
The new legislation would bring government control over GE circulation in line with Ukraine’s obligations under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, the report said.
At the end of 2026, the government was also set to establish clear and comprehensive regulatory standards for the registration, cultivation, and import of GE products.
“Without a clear understanding that a final GE product could be commercialised in Ukraine, there is no motivation to proceed with such research,” the USDA said.
Although there is no legitimate commercial production of GE crops in Ukraine; positive test results for corn, rapeseed and soyabeans at export facilities indicate GE crop production in Ukraine, according to the report.
However, some soya and rapeseed shipments could return false positives due to inadequate cleaning of vehicles transporting other crops and industry sources indicated the actual volume of GE rapeseed production could be around 3%-5%.
“Unlike small farming operations, large soyabean producers safeguard against inadvertent co-mingling of GE products with their conventional soya products (oilseed, oil and meal) at all stages, including production, storage, inland shipping, processing and export,” the USDA said.
“Under these circumstances, they prefer to specialise in non-GE varieties. This strategy enables producers to obtain better prices for their exported crops, as importers are willing to pay a premium for non-GE products. According to industry, GE soyabeans predominately fuel domestic soyabean crush, while non-GE products are exported, as they are sold at a premium. Organic soyabeans are a major export item for Ukraine.”
