Andriy Dykun: before the war, Ukraine produced more milk than Australia
Source: The DairyNews
On February 13, Andriy Dykun, President of the Association of Milk Producers (AMP), spoke at the largest event in the dairy farming industry in Oceania - the Australian Dairy Conference. During his presentation, the head of AMP discussed the achievements and challenges of Ukraine's dairy sector during the ongoing war.
Dykun's speech received standing ovations from the audience, indicating recognition and support from Australian colleagues towards Ukrainian agrarians.
Andriy Dykun highlighted the importance of the agricultural sector for Ukraine's economy, especially in the conditions of the nearly two-year-long war. Before the full-scale invasion, the agricultural sector accounted for 20% of the country's GDP. With the onset of war, considering the destruction of the chemical and metallurgical sectors, it became one of the key pillars of the economy.
An interesting fact is that before the war, Ukraine produced more milk than Australia, indicating the immense potential of the domestic dairy sector.
Andriy Dykun shared the history of the creation of the Association of Milk Producers, which began with the consolidation of several farmers and now represents over 40% of industrial milk production in Ukraine. He talked about the establishment, just before the war, of the first milk cooperative plant initiated by association members, which is now located in the frontline territory, making its operation impossible.
Participants saw real footage of farms destroyed by "occupiers" - photos from de-occupied dairy farms and enterprises located in the frontline areas. The story of Viktor Grechuk's farm was impressive; since the beginning of the war, it has been practically on the front line. However, both the owner and the farm team remain in place, continuing to work under shelling.
He spoke about the humanitarian mission of AMP. Since the early days of the war, the association has been supporting dairy farms located in the war-affected areas 24/7. Through the "Save UA" fund created by agrarians, AMP helps farmers, local residents, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, providing not only medical supplies for dairy farms but also humanitarian assistance.
One of the significant challenges mentioned by Andriy Dykun is mined territories, covering more than 2 million hectares. According to international experts, demining these areas may take up to 700 years.
"Despite the reduction in support from international partners, Ukraine remains strong. We believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, our people, partners, and our victory!" - concluded Andriy Dykun.
Warwick Long, Australian Broadcasting Corporation:
"Every photo. Every slide. Every comment tells a shocking story. It's amazing to hear and see all this firsthand - on behalf of Ukrainian farms."
Andriy Dykun highlighted the importance of the agricultural sector for Ukraine's economy, especially in the conditions of the nearly two-year-long war. Before the full-scale invasion, the agricultural sector accounted for 20% of the country's GDP. With the onset of war, considering the destruction of the chemical and metallurgical sectors, it became one of the key pillars of the economy.
An interesting fact is that before the war, Ukraine produced more milk than Australia, indicating the immense potential of the domestic dairy sector.
Andriy Dykun shared the history of the creation of the Association of Milk Producers, which began with the consolidation of several farmers and now represents over 40% of industrial milk production in Ukraine. He talked about the establishment, just before the war, of the first milk cooperative plant initiated by association members, which is now located in the frontline territory, making its operation impossible.
Participants saw real footage of farms destroyed by "occupiers" - photos from de-occupied dairy farms and enterprises located in the frontline areas. The story of Viktor Grechuk's farm was impressive; since the beginning of the war, it has been practically on the front line. However, both the owner and the farm team remain in place, continuing to work under shelling.
He spoke about the humanitarian mission of AMP. Since the early days of the war, the association has been supporting dairy farms located in the war-affected areas 24/7. Through the "Save UA" fund created by agrarians, AMP helps farmers, local residents, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, providing not only medical supplies for dairy farms but also humanitarian assistance.
One of the significant challenges mentioned by Andriy Dykun is mined territories, covering more than 2 million hectares. According to international experts, demining these areas may take up to 700 years.
"Despite the reduction in support from international partners, Ukraine remains strong. We believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, our people, partners, and our victory!" - concluded Andriy Dykun.
Warwick Long, Australian Broadcasting Corporation:
"Every photo. Every slide. Every comment tells a shocking story. It's amazing to hear and see all this firsthand - on behalf of Ukrainian farms."
