About 30% of the Seed in Ukraine Does Not Meet Quality Standards

Agricultural companies in Ukraine often use seed that does not meet quality requirements. This was reported by the department of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection in the Kharkiv region.

According to representatives of the department, up to 30% of the seed does not meet the requirements of the standards. The SSUFSCP noted that it could be counterfeit seeds or even fake. The most common method of tampering is by substituting hybrids or using different varieties from those indicated on the package. Also, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection said that about 70% of agricultural complexes cannot determine the conformity of seed to standards on their own.

Representatives of the department note that the use of low-quality, counterfeit, or falsified seeds can lead to a loss of up to 25% of the crop. The best harvest can be obtained with the purchase of high-quality seed, adapted to the climatic and soil conditions of the region where the farmers work.

Also, the SSUFSCP reminded the farmers how to protect themselves from purchasing seed that does not meet quality standards. Representatives of the department recommend purchasing from companies that are included in the State Register with the declared amount of seeds for sale, as well as from official distributors. In addition, all consignments of seed must be accompanied by certificates that confirm the quality of the seeds.