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since independence in 1991, largely been replaced by more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.
