From 17 to 19 November, a Ukrainian delegation representing leading dairy sector associations carried out a study visit to the Netherlands. The programme was organised with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and Dutch embassy in Ukraine. The visit contributed to ongoing professional exchange between the Dutch dairy sector and Ukraine and supported Ukraine’s efforts toward alignment with EU standards.
Beeld: © Union of dairy enterprises of Ukraine
The programme began in The Hague. Representatives of LVVN provided an overview of Dutch agricultural governance and the EU regulatory framework. Delegates also received information on the Common Market Organisation and the legislation addressing Unfair Trading Practices. These discussions offered insight into mechanisms that promote transparency, contractual stability, and fair competition within the European dairy market.
Beeld: © Union of dairy enterprises of Ukraine
Meetings throughout the visit highlighted the importance of cooperation in the Dutch dairy sector. At ZuivelNL, the delegation learned about the structure of the dairy chain and the distribution of responsibilities among stakeholders. At FrieslandCampina, participants were introduced to cooperative governance, the role of farmer representation, milk pricing procedures, and strategic decision-making within one of Europe’s largest dairy cooperatives.
Beeld: © Union of dairy enterprises of Ukraine
The delegation also visited Royal GD Animal Health. The institution presented its integrated approach to diagnostics, research, and knowledge transfer. GD’s model demonstrated how scientific expertise supports the resilience and quality of the Dutch dairy chain.
Beeld: © Union of dairy enterprises of Ukraine
Farm visits offered a practical view of the diversity and innovation present in Dutch primary production.
The programme included:
- Wantenaar Dairy Farm – an example of sustainability-oriented management in line with PlanetProof certification.
- D’e Staelenhoef – a traditional family enterprise specialising in on-farm cheese production and direct sales.
- ElkeMelk – an innovative concept centred on bottling milk from individual cows with full traceability.
- Camel Dairy Farm – a niche producer illustrating diversification opportunities within dairy farming.
- Schouten Dairy Farm – a modern operation using robotic milking and engaging actively in local retail.
Beeld: © Union of dairy enterprises of Ukraine
The delegation also held discussions with Rabobank, Agrifirm, and the Agrifood Platform Ukraine. These meetings focused on themes relevant to Ukraine’s reconstruction and sector transformation: transparency, financial sustainability, innovation, and cooperative development. The exchanges highlighted principles of the Dutch and EU dairy sectors that may support Ukraine’s future development.
This study visit reflects the ongoing cooperation between the Netherlands and Ukraine. It also supports the development of a modern, competitive, and EU-aligned dairy sector in Ukraine.