Transformation of Ukrainian agriculture and the economic consequences for Ukraine and the Netherlands

Summary

This research explores how Ukraine’s integration into the European Union could transform its agricultural sector, paying particular attention to the dairy industry. This report examines the alignment between Ukraine’s agricultural strategy and EU policy, identifies opportunities and challenges, and assesses the potential for collaboration between the Netherlands and Ukraine.
Ukraine’s agricultural vision aligns with EU priorities of sustainability, competitiveness, and rural development. However, there are gaps in institutional capacity, regulatory enforcement and practical implementation, particularly in the dairy sector. Although Ukraine has pledged to align with EU standards, achieving this by 2030 seems challenging in the light of the current full-scale war context and limited human resources.
A detailed comparison of EU and Ukrainian dairy legislation reveals discrepancies regarding hygiene, food safety, animal welfare, and traceability. However, Ukraine’s lower production costs and abundant resources present opportunities for modernization and investment. The Dutch dairy sector is renowned for its high standards, cooperative models and technological innovation, and could play a pivotal role in supporting Ukraine’s transition.
The Agriculture & Food Security platform Ukraine serves as a vital facilitator of partnerships, knowledge exchange, and business development between Dutch and Ukrainian stakeholders. Recommendations for the platform include facilitating matchmaking, supporting pilot projects and Directing stakeholders towards funding opportunities. Regarding the Dutch dairy cluster, the report recommends providing technical assistance, supporting cooperative development, and exercising caution when engaging in partnerships in light of the ongoing war.