On November 13, 2024, the International Conference "Opportunities and Challenges of Eurointegration in Livestock Farming in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine" took place within the framework of EuroTier-2024 (Germany).
The conference was organized by DLG, the German-Ukrainian Agropolitical Dialogue, and the German-Moldovan Agropolitical Dialogue with the support of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture of Germany.
The start of EU accession negotiations has become a significant milestone for the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Future Eurointegration requires 100% implementation of EU regulations and practices. At the same time, livestock farms in the EU believe that the requirements of the new Agricultural Policy-2030 and the provisions of the "Green Deal" put them on the brink of survival. They hope that the new composition of the European Commission, while adjusting the Green Deal requirements, will aim to find a balance to maintain farmers' profitability and develop adequate financial support instruments for them. In this process, as noted by Olga Hunger, Regional Director of the international agricultural association DLG for Eastern Europe, "it is extremely important to hear and consider the views of candidate countries."
The conference, moderated by APD Director Maria Yarosko, was attended by representatives of the agricultural ministries of Germany, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, the Agrarian Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, as well as representatives of the largest livestock associations of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.
Hanna Lavreniuk, General Director of the Association of Milk Producers of Ukraine (AMP), participated in the panel discussion and answered questions about the changes occurring in dairy farming under wartime conditions, the challenges faced by farms, their readiness for Eurointegration, and the support they need on this path.
"The war has brought terrible losses. To date, more than 100 dairy farms in Ukraine have either been destroyed or damaged due to Russia's terror tactics. Restoring these facilities is critically important to ensure stable milk production. At the same time, despite the active phase of the war, industrial dairy farms continue to invest in productivity, compliance with European standards, and safety indicators. In 2024, dairy farms will provide a 6% increase in milk supply for food processing. This demonstrates not only productivity but also the willpower of our producers, who help ensure food security even in the most difficult conditions. The war has become a catalyst for many innovations. Our Ukrainian producers are rapidly investing in biogas plants to provide electricity for themselves and their communities. This new challenge requires technical expertise and financial support," emphasized Hanna Lavreniuk in her speech.
She noted that Ukraine is currently experiencing not just a shortage of personnel but a personnel Holodomor.
The high turnover rate in the agricultural sector requires express training courses and qualification upgrades to meet European requirements. This is challenge number one, so we have no time to waste.
Hanna Lavreniuk also emphasized the need for substantial financial assistance. "Our farmers critically need financial support for recovery and development. This includes investments in new technologies and modernization of production processes. Therefore, we ask for consistency and urge not to tire, because in the end, justice and the rule of law, not the rule of force, must prevail. So that all countries in the world feel safe."
More details in the video (ukr):
Press service of the Association of Milk Producers
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