The UAC supports the draft law on GMOs in the amended version for the second reading. The Chairman of the UAC Andrii Dykun made the announcement during the round table discussion on "Legislative support of state regulation in the sphere of circulation and handling of genetically modified organisms", organized by the Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

The draft law "On state regulation of genetic engineering activities and state control over the circulation of genetically modified organisms and genetically modified products to ensure food safety" No. 5839 provides for the revision of the existing state regulation in the field of handling GMOs, and also aims to harmonize Ukrainian legislation with that of the European Union

"We must solve the issue of illegal cultivation of GMO plants. Bill No. 5839 will establish European rules and regulate the circulation of GMOs in the domestic market. We understand that this law is necessary as part of Ukraine's preparations for accession  to the EU. UAC supports it. We also agree with Minagro's position on the complete ban on the cultivation of GMO corn in Ukraine, which is established by the revised version of the draft law. For us, this is a strategic crop and we see significant risks in allowing GMO corn into our market," said Andrii Dykun.

He also emphasized the importance of giving business the right to directly influence market access and regulation of GMO circulation in Ukraine.

"I would like to suggest including a precautionary measur into the legislation - to give representative organizations of producers in their fields the right to veto the decisions of the state commission on GMOs. Of course, we believe that this commission will work in the interests of the state and business. But the business, understanding the threat, will unite and create a representative organization of producers, which will be able to block any negative decision of the state commission ," explained the head of the UAC.

Taras Vysotskyi supported the UAC’s proposal and suggested including the relevant norm in the final provisions of the Draft Law "On the Association of Agricultural Producers" No. 8149, which is currently under consideration by the Verkhovna Rada.

During the round table, proposals of the working group regarding the text of the draft law on GMOs for the second reading were discussed, which concerned:

- clarification of the terminology and authority of individual bodies regarding the approval of procedures and documents;

- addition of norms regarding the accessibility and openness of information for the public;

- clarification of the article on liability and proceedings in cases of violations of legislation in the field of GMO handling;

- establishment of GMO risk assessment criteria for human health and the environment;

- establishment of a ban on certain GMO crops: a complete ban on the circulation of corn, a ban on the cultivation of sugar beets and rapeseed for 5 years, as well as since Ukraine has become a member of the EU, only GMOs allowed in the EU are permitted.

Wednesday, 15 March 2023

 

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