Legal Barriers in the Business of Biofertilizers and Biopesticides in Ukraine

‘Biologicals’ (biofertilizers and biopesticides) are microbial products that increase agricultural productivity, while also contributing to soil health. These microbial products are relatively safe for human consumption. However, the legal registration of microbial products and the operation of businesses in this sector face barriers that affect the expansion and widespread use of these green products. A study of these barriers was conducted by researchers at the Université de Montréal, with the financial support of Mitacs and Earth Alive Clean Technologies, using participa-tory methods of semi-structured interviews, structured interviews and informal discussions with the manufacturers, suppliers and traders of biologicals, as well as the government officers dealing with biologicals in Ukraine. This article analyses the data collected from the participants concerning obstacles to the registration, licensing, and proliferation of microbial products.