Milk production in Ukraine to drop by 300,000-400,000 tonnes in 2023 - ministry

MOSCOW. Oct 20 (Interfax) - Milk production in Ukraine will decline by 300,000-400,000 tonnes in 2023, Ukrainian media said, citing the Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry's forecast, which was presented by Deputy Minister Taras Vysotsky.

"In 2022, milk production decreased by almost one million tonnes. According to the forecast for 2023, the decline [in 2023] will be at the level of 300,000-400,000 tonnes. Industrial production is expected to grow by 100,000-150,000 tonnes. These are positive signals that, despite severe difficulties, the dairy sector is developing confidently," the ministry's press service quoted Vysotsky as saying on Thursday at a webinar on amendments to legislation in the dairy sector.

The tasks facing the government include adapting Ukrainian relevant laws to European regulations and providing support to agricultural producers, he said. In particular, milk producers may receive a grant of up to 8 million hryvni to finance raw milk processing. Information and advisory training sessions are also being conducted for agricultural producers.

"Ukraine has a record of successfully exporting dairy products to the EU. After adapting Ukrainian legislation to EU standards, this market will expand. Also, Ukrainian consumers will benefit greatly by using safe and high-quality products," the deputy minister said.