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June 2006 The status of agricultural biotechnology and biosafety in Ukraine
Ukraine was a major food producer as part of the former Soviet Union and it retains tremendous agricultural potential. Ukrainian agriculture was founded on collectivised agricultural enterprises that have, since independence in 1991, largely been replaced by more modern ventures that increasingly take sustainability into account. Improved agro-processing facilities and agricultural production methods have made the agricultural sector a principal contributor to GDP despite outstanding difficulties in securing agricultural credit. Several internationally supported agricultural sector reform projects have operated in Ukraine during the past decade. Agricultural and food science research is conducted through a large, nationwide network of research centers of the Ukrainian Academy of Agrarian Sciences and by about twenty agricultural universities. Agricultural biotechnology is a national priority and following ratification of a national agricultural biotechnology programme, implemented in 2001-2005, a national commission was established to address issues of biotechnology and biosafety policy. To date, traditional agricultural research and development receives greater emphasis than biotechnology, but in vitro plant multiplication, molecular aids to plant breeding, livestock reproductive technologies, artificial inoculants and fermentation technologies are researched and the results applied commercially. Legislation concerning genetic modification has yet to be implemented, although consumer rights, food safety, and intellectual property rights are legislated for. Support to agriculture in general, and biotechnology in particular, is required in capacity building and funding. Teaching and training in modern methods of agricultural production, and creation of a conducive policy environment, will support development in Ukraine. Information generation and communication will have to be improved through improved access to standard and modern information technologies and also through strengthened capacity in English. Moreover, increased involvement in international networks and improved international cooperation in research and development, particularly with countries of the European Union, will help Ukraine to become a more active participant in the international arena.
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