The Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation proposes to immediately extend for two years - until January 1, 2026 - the abolition of state registration of soybeans and soybean meal produced with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), subject to confirmation of their safety by Rosselkhoznadzor. This issue became the subject of discussion on the website regulation.gov.ru, where a draft of the relevant government resolution is posted. The proposed measure also applies to products imported into Russia.
Initially, the Russian Federation canceled the state registration of soybeans and soybean meal with GMOs, allowing the import of these products only after confirmation of safety by the relevant authorities of Rosselkhoznadzor. This resolution was adopted by the government on April 16, 2020, and its validity period was initially set until January 1, 2021. However, over time, the period for canceling state registration was extended annually.
This measure is currently set to expire on January 1, 2024. According to the information contained in the explanatory note to the project, after this date a ban on the import of soybeans and soybean meal containing GMOs will actually be introduced. The inability to import these products may lead to potential shortages in the market, as well as a negative impact on manufacturers working with this type of product.
The proposal of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation to extend the abolition of state registration of soybeans and soybean meal with GMOs indicates a desire to balance the issue of safety and market needs. This decision will allow the continued import of GMO-containing products, provided they are safe, and will prevent possible shortages in the market.
The adoption of this resolution will be an important step in the development of domestic agriculture, continuing to provide access to necessary products, while maintaining control over quality and safety. This extension will allow the continued import of soybeans and soybean meal, subject to compliance with the standards and requirements of Rosselkhoznadzor.
Therefore, the proposal of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation to extend the abolition of state registration of soybeans and soybean meal with GMOs is an important and rational step for the country’s agricultural sector. This decision implies respecting not only the interests of the market, but also ensuring the safety and quality control of products, the implementation of which will satisfy the needs of domestic producers and consumers.