Bayer sees potential in GM crops production in Ukraine
Bayer's position on GMOs remains consistent — the company operates in those markets where there is a demand from farmers and where a legislative and regulatory system is being created to ensure the protection of intellectual property rights, stated the Director for Corporate Affairs at Bayer Vitaliy Fedchuk.
Bayer is already working with GM crops, he said, particularly in the United States, Canada and Argentina. At the same time, the company had to stop the biotechnology business in Romania after the country's accession to the European Union — the EU focus is more on the import of GM seeds, not on their production.
"We see certain prospects in terms of business development in Ukraine, for example, GM corn," he remarked.
Vitaliy Fedchuk emphasized that GMO is a tool aimed at helping farmers to work more efficiently, but it cannot be the only means to improve productivity.
However, he continued, the company still has some concerns.
"Giving up GMOs in case of the country's accession to the EU, for example. The second factor is the public opinion component — it is necessary to raise people's awareness in this matter. And the third is the business component, as Bayer has a large seed production hub in Ukraine, producing seeds both for the domestic market and for export. Therefore, it is essential for the company to find a balance, to understand in which direction the country will develop — GMO or non-GMO," Vitaliy Fedchuk explained.
A legislative base for the regulation of GM crops is being developed in Ukraine, one such is a draft law No. 5839 of August 05, 2022 "On state regulation of genetic engineering activities and state control over the circulation of genetically modified organisms and genetically modified products to ensure food security".
Previously reported that Bayer's management decided to continue to supply basic agricultural inputs to russia.
