In Ukraine, the ratio of livestock farming to crop production is 25% to 75%, while in European countries it is 50 to 50. To better realize the potential of the sector, Ukrainian livestock producers must meet the export requirements of the EU and other high-margin markets, part of which includes the welfare of farm animals. And given European integration, the requirements for domestic farms are becoming stricter. This is reported by https://agroportal.ua (https://agroportal.ua/publishing/lichnyi-vzglyad/investiciji-v-komfort-tvarin-uzhe-ne-rozkish-a-neobhidnist-cina-pitannya-40-mlrd-grn)

The growth potential of livestock production in Ukraine is primarily linked to access to foreign markets. According to Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, Ukrainian livestock producers can produce much more than what is required for domestic consumption. But exports will have to increase. The main market is the European Union, so production must be carried out according to the principles of sustainable development and animal welfare.

Starting next year, these principles will be implemented at the legislative level. Since January 1, 2026, Order No. 224 of February 8, 2021 “On the approval of the Requirements for the welfare of farm animals during their keeping” enters into force. The document contains general approaches to the welfare of farm animals and specific requirements for broilers, laying hens, pigs and calves. New slaughter requirements will come into force in March 2026.

Overall, the issue of welfare is regulated by the Law of Ukraine on Veterinary Medicine No. 2498, which will cease to be in force on March 1, 2026. It will be replaced by the Law of Ukraine on Veterinary Medicine No. 1206.

Workers of livestock farms must also undergo training and obtain a state certificate valid for 5 years.

According to calculations by the Association of Milk Producers, about 40% of the industrial dairy herd in Ukraine is kept at enterprises that will require reconstruction, modernization or even complete redevelopment in order to meet welfare requirements. According to preliminary estimates, this will require about 10 billion UAH.

The payback period for these investments is the longest compared to other sectors — 7–8 years.