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organizational framework for state regulation of genetic engineering activities. It places emphasis on controlling GMOs and their products, addressing their impact on the environment, food safety, and genetics.
Key provisions of the law include clear definitions for terms such as "genetically modified organism," "genetically modified product," and "GMO product as a food product." It also introduces a system for the state registration of GMOs.
Prior to its final passage, the law underwent several amendments, notably imposing a ban on the cultivation and import of genetically modified corn. Furthermore, a five-year ban on the cultivation of genetically modified sugar beets and rapeseed was introduced. Corn, rapeseed and beats are amongst Ukraine’s most important crops.
One of the significant aspects of the legislation is the comprehensive regulation of genetic engineering activities, which includes state supervision and control over the use of GMOs and the circulation of GM products.
Additionally, the law aligns with European mechanisms for state registration of GMOs and introduces stricter requirements for labelling GM products. It also establishes rules for traceability and enhances government control in GMO handling while outlining penalties for violations of the legislation in this area.
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, approved the bill at its final reading during a plenary session on August 23. The law aims to ensure that Ukraine's approach to GMOs aligns with international standards and safeguards the country's ecological and biological integrity.
The EU refuses to increase sugar beet production due to the threat of competition with Ukraine. Sugar producer Saint Louis Sucre (SLS), owned by Germany's Suedzucker, has asked French farmers not to increase beet production in 2024. Otherwise, it will not be possible to avoid a drop in sugar prices against fierce competition from Ukrainian sugar, reported Reuters. "Our ambitions to increase the area... face competition within the framework of the EU's solidarity efforts with Ukraine," the SLS letter states. Statistics show that sugar imports from Ukraine to the EU increased to 390,000 tons from October 2022 to July 2023, compared to 25,000 tons in the same period of the previous season. Suedzucker believes that Ukrainian sugar, which can undermine EU markets, should be re-exported to third countries. In July 2023, European sugar cost €915 ($983.17) per ton, up 57% from last year and double the July 2021 price. Previously, the Ukrainian government had banned sugar exports until September 15, 2023.
78 UKRAINE Country Report October 2023 www.intellinews.com