The Association of Milk Producers (AMP) supports the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine regarding changes to the "National Cashback" program, which will come into effect on March 1, 2026.
The introduction of a 15% cashback on Ukrainian hard and soft cheeses is not just about stimulating demand. It is a necessary step to curb the critical growth of imports and protect Ukrainian producers.
Over the last six years, cheese imports to Ukraine have almost doubled:
- 2019 — 23.7 thousand tons;
- 2025 — 42.3 thousand tons.
Imported products are taking up an increasing share of the shelf, displacing Ukrainian cheese. As a result, processing enterprises are reducing production volumes, which automatically means a decrease in raw milk purchases from dairy farms. A dairy farm cannot "put production on pause." Cows are milked every day. If a plant reduces processing, the farm loses its sales market. If a farm loses stable sales, it is forced to reduce its herd or close down.
This is no longer a theoretical risk. This is a real scenario for many enterprises.
If the trend of import growth continues:
- the decline in cheese production in Ukraine will persist;
- domestic demand for raw milk will decrease;
- farms will lose the economic viability of operation;
- the country will become even more dependent on imported dairy products.
Under war conditions, this is a direct risk to food security and the agricultural economy.
The differentiated model of the "National Cashback" program with an increased rate of 15% in categories where the share of imports exceeds 35% is a timely state response to the market imbalance. According to the results of 2025, the share of imported cheeses exceeded 45%.
Support for Ukrainian cheeses means:
- preservation of thousands of jobs;
- stable sales for dairy farms;
- tax revenues to community budgets;
- strengthening the country's food independence.
The AMP calls on consumers to consciously choose Ukrainian cheeses.
Today, "Buy Ukrainian" is not just a slogan. Every purchase of a Ukrainian dairy product is support for a farmer working under conditions of war, energy risks, and financial instability. It is a choice in favor of preserving the economy and the future of the dairy industry.
Details: https://me.gov.ua
Press Service of the Association of Milk Producers
Follow us on LinkedIn
Related News: