Since the beginning of the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine the organic market, same as the entire agrarian industry, has been suffering from aggression. However, after the northern regions and some districts in southern regions had been deoccupied, the organic businesses started to resume their activities, and some relocated their business to other regions.
In recent years Ukraine has been one of the biggest organic exporters to the EU. Over 80% of organic products from Ukraine have been exported, and, based on 2020 results, Ukraine ranked 4th globally by the volume of organic products imported to the EU. Therefore, the exporters are looking for the new logistic channels to continue their export both to the EU and other countries.
In spite of the hostilities and threats, the changes in the Ukrainian and European legislations, as well as the sanctions on the companies from russia and Belarus, could contribute to maintaining and developing the organic production in Ukraine.
In early May, the European Commission addressed the EU national accreditation and conformity assessment bodies to prohibit provision of accreditation, assessment and certification services with regard to the products from russia and belarus, if these bodies and companies are on the EU sanctions list. It also recommended to consider cessation of conformity assessment services provided by the operators registered in russia and belarus, even if the relevant products are not banned from import to the EU.
The other day, the European Parliament adopted the decision to lift the import quotas and duties for the Ukrainian products exported to the EU for one year. This proposal had been earlier received from the European Commission, which also developed the action plan to facilitate the agricultural export from Ukraine.
On 11 May 2022, the European Commission adopted the decision on continuation of additional official controls on organic products imported to the EU, which, for the first time since 2015, does not apply to Ukraine.
The additional official controls on products originating from Kazakhstan, Moldova, Turkey and russian federation will be continued. China, India, Peru, Paraguay, Ethiopia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Sierra Leone, Togo, Sri Lanka and Vietnam were also added to the list. We are waiting for more details and clarification from the Ukrainian certification body Organic Standard.
On 3 May, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine took an important decision for the organic sector – it refers to amendments to the list of goods which are subject to export and import licensing and quotes in 2022. In particular, millet was added to the above list which opens the door to export of organic millet. Ukraine is one of the biggest suppliers of organic millet to the EU market, and last year the first deliveries of organic millet to the US market were made.
Under the current conditions, adoption of the amendments to the transitional provisions of the Law of Ukraine “On the Main Principles and Requirements for Organic Production, Circulation and Labelling of Organic Products” is critical. These amendments provide for:
- Extension of sale of organic products with foreign certificates by Ukrainian operators for two more years – until 1 July 2024;
- Creating the opportunities for the Ukrainian producers which produce organic products under the international standards to receive state support, of course, if it is envisaged by the government for 2022-2023;
- Possibility to reduce the transition period when transiting to the Ukrainian organic standards for the organic operators if they are certified by the same certification body.
In order to implement the latter provision, the legislation of Ukraine in organic production, circulation and labelling of organic products has to become fully operational, and the first accredited organic certification bodies have to appear. Nevertheless, this provision will significantly accelerate appearance of organic products under the Ukrainian national logo on the market.
We also remind that since 1 January 2022 the new Regulation (EU) of the European Parliament and of the Council No 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products has been applied.
Kateryna Shor, OrganicInfo.ua