STATE REGULATION OF THE GRAIN SEED MARKET

Abstract

The article analyzes the transformation of Ukraine's regulatory policy in the field of seeds in the context of European integration processes and modernization of the agricultural sector. It is substantiated that deregulation and harmonization of legislation with EU standards are critical factors in increasing the competitiveness of domestic seed producers in international markets. The key areas of reforming the system of state regulation of the seed market are investigated, in particular, the abolition of outdated reservation mechanisms, simplification of administrative procedures and the introduction of a risk-based approach to certification. It is proven that the rejection of centralized approaches of the Soviet era in favor of market mechanisms contributes to the optimization of costs, acceleration of production cycles and attraction of investments in breeding programs. The features and results of the implementation of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 403 and amendments to the Law of Ukraine “On Seeds and Planting Material”, which covered labeling requirements, packaging standards and registration procedures, are analyzed. The effectiveness of these reforms is assessed through the prism of reducing the administrative burden on producers, reducing the deadlines for compliance with requirements and achieving production targets of 500,000 tons of seeds. The impact of technological progress in breeding on the feasibility of regulatory changes is determined through the analysis of the achievements of CRISPR-Cas9, genomic breeding based on artificial intelligence and rapid breeding methods. Examples of the application of innovative technologies in increasing yields and reducing crop development cycles are given as a justification for the transition from static state reserves to dynamic market supply systems. It is substantiated that the recognition by the European Union of the equivalence of the Ukrainian seed certification system is a key milestone in the integration of the domestic seed industry into the European agricultural space. The chronology and details of recognition for grain crops (2020) and oilseed and industrial crops (2025) are given with an emphasis on trade and economic consequences. The main advantages of harmonizing legislation for Ukrainian seed exporters are identified, including unlimited access to EU markets without tariff quotas, the absence of repeated field inspections and increased confidence of international partners in product quality. A comparative analysis of regulatory regimes for the export of seeds and commercial grains was carried out, demonstrating the strategic advantages of the seed sector. It was concluded that comprehensive deregulation and harmonization of standards are determining factors of the competitiveness of the Ukrainian seed industry. The reforms ensure the transition to a modern regulatory model based on international practices, technological innovations and market principles, which creates the potential to achieve export revenues of $ 600 million by 2030.