At the GPC’s Pulses 2019 Convention in Rio de Janeiro last week, the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) and the Ukraine Pulse Association (also known by the acronym SPPBU) signed an MOU in recognition of their mutual goals and in appreciation of the strength of their existing relationship. The Ukraine Pulse Association represents Ukraine’s pulse farmers, processors and exporters, as well as other related stakeholders, and works to improve the sustainability and efficiency of the country’s pulse production system. The GPC is the premier association for the global pulses industry value chain and strives to promote global pulse production and consumption.

“Today Ukraine is a major pulse exporter and we have the potential to grow even more,” said Ukraine Pulse Association President Antonina Skylarenko. “This MOU provides an important framework to improve pulse production, consumption, research, promotion and trade. This will be vital to Ukraine Pulse Association members as we look to expand Ukraine’s pulse sector.”

“I want to congratulate the Ukraine Pulse Association for the incredible work they have done in just a very short time,” said outgoing GPC President Hüseyin Arslan. “At the GPC, we always stress how valuable it is for a country’s pulse sector to come together and form a national organization, and here you have the Ukraine Pulse Association making our point.” 

“National Associations are essential to helping the GPC communicate the industry’s messages,” added incoming GPC President Cindy Brown. “There are times when we are more effective acting collectively as an industry at the international level, be it World Pulses Day or MRLs. I look forward to working more closely with the Ukraine Pulse Association for the benefit of the global pulses sector.”

The MOU envisions several areas of collaboration, including knowledge and information sharing, raising awareness about pulses, promoting the use of the GPC Pulses Contract and championing the principles of the Colombo Accord.