Ukraine is Advancing Animal Welfare Standards with Dutch expertise
The Netherlands facilitated a comprehensive study visit for Ukrainian officials and experts focused on animal welfare and official control systems as part of its continued commitment to supporting Ukraine’s integration with European standards. The visit took place from 5 to 13 April 2025 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and was jointly supported by the Government of the Netherlands and the Swiss-Ukrainian Programme “Higher Value Added Trade from the Organic and Dairy Sector in Ukraine” (QFTP).
The visit took place from 5 to 13 April 2025 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and was jointly supported by the Government of the Netherlands and the Swiss-Ukrainian Programme “Higher Value Added Trade from the Organic and Dairy Sector in Ukraine” (QFTP). The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, and experts from international development programs.
Organized in close cooperation with the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, the program provided the Ukrainian delegation with valuable insights into the Netherlands’ robust animal welfare system. Participants explored EU legislation, Dutch enforcement mechanisms, and practical implementation approaches at farms, slaughterhouses, training centers, and the Royal Animal Health Service.
Key highlights included:
- Policy discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature on the legislative and institutional frameworks for animal welfare in the Netherlands.
- Theoretical and practical sessions at NVWA headquarters covering compliance strategies, transportation standards, and training systems for inspectors and industry stakeholders.
- Field visits to poultry farms, slaughterhouses, and the Aeres Training Centre to observe best practices in animal housing, handling, and inspection.
Engagement with Dutch veterinary experts to evaluate animal health monitoring and disease prevention systems.
This visit marks another important step in deepening the Netherlands–Ukraine partnership in agriculture, food safety, and sustainable development. Through knowledge sharing and technical cooperation, both countries reaffirm their dedication to animal welfare, public health, and aligning Ukraine’s veterinary and agricultural practices with EU standards.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine extends its appreciation to all partners involved and looks forward to continued collaboration in strengthening Ukraine’s agri-food sector.
