Oilseeds, beets and soybeans of Ukraine: when to wait for recognition of equivalence in the EU?

The article highlights the progress of Ukraine in gaining recognition for the equivalence of its seeds and varieties with European Union standards, with a focus on grain and oilseeds. The process, initiated in 2011, gained momentum in 2020 when the European Parliament recognized the Ukrainian seed certification system, enabling export of various seeds to the EU. This has already led to a 1.5 times increase in grain and oilseed exports in 2023. The next step is to include oilseeds, beets, and soybeans, despite resistance due to fears of increased competition and quality concerns, which are not substantiated. Ukrainian seed producers, aiding this growth, include European companies with operations in Ukraine. The article addresses the unfounded fears and uncertainties, emphasizing the necessity for improved communication to counter negative stereotypes and to recognize the quality of Ukrainian seeds. The process faces delays due to elections and holidays in EU countries but anticipates acceleration with a published draft resolution for equivalence, including Ukraine and Moldova, which is pending a vote.