35 years of independence is also the story of Ukraine’s dairy industry — its people, farms and plants that keep working despite everything.

On 24 August, Ukraine marks the 35th anniversary of its independence. For our editorial team, this is not only a national holiday but also a chance to thank the people who fill store shelves every day — the people of Ukraine’s dairy industry.

Over these decades the dairy sector has come a long way: from post-Soviet collective farms to modern complexes, from simple pasteurised milk to a wide range of cheeses, yogurts, butter and functional products now exported to dozens of countries. Ukrainian producers have learned to compete in European and global markets, adopt food-safety standards and defend quality under their own brands.

An industry that works despite the war

Recent years have been the hardest test. The full-scale war has taken farms, warehouses and plants in occupied and front-line areas, complicated logistics and driven up the cost of fuel, feed and electricity. And yet Ukrainian dairy farms keep milking cows under air-raid sirens, processors keep producing, and drivers keep delivering — even where it is dangerous.

The dairy industry is part of the country’s food security. Every litre of milk, every kilogram of cheese or butter made in Ukraine is not only economics but also proof of resilience: a country that feeds itself stands firm. Behind this are thousands of people — farmers, livestock specialists, vets, technologists, lab staff, packers, logisticians and sellers.

Thank you to those who defend us

We remember that the ability to work calmly, write the news and plan the industry’s future is won by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among the defenders are those who, before the war, worked on farms and dairies, tended livestock and stood by production lines. We bow deeply to everyone defending the country, and honour the memory of those who gave their lives for it.

With faith in the future

We believe that ahead of Ukraine’s dairy industry lie reconstruction, new technologies, stronger brands and a wider presence in global markets — and, above all, a peaceful sky under which to freely build one’s business on one’s own land. Happy Independence Day, Ukraine! Thank you to everyone working on the dairy front — and to everyone holding the real one. Glory to Ukraine!

UAdairy.org editorial team