Ukraine must begin preparing large-scale projects to modernize its dairy-processing industry now, so that after the war ends it can compete on the European market with high-value-added products. At the same time, securing state and European support for such investments remains an important task.

This was discussed during the International Dairy Congress, held on June 11 in Uman.

The Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, Taras Kachka, noted that one of the key tasks in the negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU is to secure mechanisms for supporting the agricultural sector during the transition stage, in particular for modernizing production and processing.

"Back in 2013, Ukraine's dairy industry did not view the European market as a key one. But since 2014 we have come a very long way — from exporting technical casein to supplying the EU with even perishable fresh products, including kefir and yogurt. We see that we have all the conditions to develop exports of value-added products. In the context of European integration, modernizing processing capacities should be carried out through regional development instruments. Ukraine has the means both to provide incentives and to attract funding through the European Union's structural and regional funds," he emphasized.

According to a survey of participants conducted during the event, the weakest link in the dairy sector today remains processing. In the experts' view, the industry needs to move toward implementing large-scale projects in this area.

"Today, processing is needed not only to earn additional money but, above all, so that producers can receive a higher price for their raw material. Ukraine needs to build modern dairy-processing facilities. According to international experts' estimates, a minimally efficient plant should process around 2,000 tonnes of milk per day, and the investment in such a project can reach EUR 250 million. But this requires not only money but also clear projects. We must decide on partners now, prepare project solutions, and look for cooperation models. After the war ends, the winners will be those who are ready to offer the market not just raw material but a product with high added value," believes the head of the UAC, Andriy Dykun.

The potential for developing the dairy industry today lies not only in production but also in cultivating a culture of dairy consumption, since growth in domestic demand could become an additional resource for processors.

"We need to do more to promote a healthy lifestyle and the consumption of natural products. These are global trends, but they need to be supported in Ukraine. We have the lowest level of milk consumption in Europe, and this cannot be explained by pricing policy alone. Growth in domestic consumption could create additional demand for Ukrainian dairy products and support the development of processing. Buying and promoting our own products is something Ukrainians should do," emphasized Member of Parliament of Ukraine Ivan Chaikivskyi.

Participants of the event also stressed the importance of supporting farms operating in front-line regions, developing cooperation, and drawing on international experience to modernize the dairy sector.