Trends in the Strategic Development of the Dairy Industry in Ukraine

Abstract

Abstract. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and strategic development trends of the dairy industry of Ukraine under conditions of structural economic transformation, martial law, and intensifying global competition. The role of the dairy sector as a key component of the agro-industrial complex is substantiated, emphasizing its importance in ensuring national food security, generating added value in rural areas, and strengthening the country’s export potential. Based on the generalization of official statistical data and relevant scientific research, the dynamics of cattle numbers, milk production and processing volumes, consumption patterns, and foreign trade in dairy products are examined. It is determined that the contraction of the raw material base, rising costs of energy and feed, technological obsolescence of production facilities, and limited access to investment resources constrain the industry’s development and reduce its competitiveness. Special attention is paid to the impact of military actions on the functioning of the dairy industry, particularly disruptions in logistics chains, loss of production capacities, and the need for enterprises to adapt to new market conditions. The expediency of shifting from an extensive to an intensive development model is substantiated, focusing on increasing dairy herd productivity, improving breeding practices, implementing modern processing technologies, and integrating digital management tools. The main strategic directions for the industry’s development are identified, including strengthening the raw material base, technological modernization, innovation implementation, ensuring product quality and safety in accordance with international standards, diversification of product range and sales markets, as well as enhancing state support and institutional frameworks. It is concluded that the implementation of the proposed strategic priorities will contribute to increasing the economic resilience of the dairy industry, improving its adaptability to external risks, and strengthening Ukraine’s position in the global dairy market in the long term.