Kazakhstan plans to import 5,000 Holsteins from Germany by end-2026
Cooperation between the two countries in livestock farming and other areas of the agricultural sector was the subject of talks between Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture Talasbek Kanafin and Martina Englhardt-Kopf, Parliamentary State Secretary at Germany’s Ministry of Agriculture.
In dairy farming, the two sides cooperate through the KFM project. More than 400 specialists have received training and professional development under the project. A centre providing advisory and educational services has been established for milk producers. Kazakhstan and Germany are also implementing joint projects in agricultural machinery manufacturing, seed production and other sectors.
According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture, bilateral trade in agricultural and food products grew by 23% in 2025. Shipments of Kazakh agricultural products to the German market increased by 38%. In the first eight months of 2026, bilateral trade rose by 11.6% compared with the same period in 2025.
Another area of cooperation is the Kazakh-German Agricultural Policy Dialogue, which has been operating since 2009. At its meeting in Astana, participants highlighted the platform’s effectiveness in exchanging experience, discussing sectoral policy issues and developing practical solutions.
Kanafin told the meeting that the sixth phase of the dialogue began in September 2026. It provides for expanded interregional engagement and cooperation among experts on agricultural policy in Central Asia. According to the deputy minister, the new phase offers opportunities for closer cooperation and a transition from exchanging expert views to implementing specific initiatives.
Priorities for further work include improving agricultural policy and sectoral support mechanisms, developing advanced processing of agricultural products, and adopting innovations and resource-saving technologies. The agenda also includes building sustainable value chains and strengthening ties in research and education.
