INSTITUTIONAL PROVISION OF EXPORT CAPACITY OF DAIRY CATTLE BREEDING IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines the institutional foundations for ensuring the export capacity of Ukraine’s dairy cattle industry in the context of integration into global agricultural markets and the alignment of national standards with international requirements. It is determined that the sector’s export capacity largely depends not only on production volumes and milk quality but also on the effective functioning of a system of formal and informal institutions. Special attention is paid to assessing the role of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine as the coordinating authority in the field of agricultural exports, as well as the activities of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, which is responsible for sanitary and veterinary control, certification, and oversight of compliance with international trade requirements. The article outlines the role of industry associations, dairy cooperatives, and advisory services in enhancing domestic producers’ readiness to enter export markets, particularly the EU, the Middle East, and Asian countries.

The current state of the institutional environment in the dairy cattle sector is analyzed, and the main barriers hindering its development are identified, including fragmented production, lack of consistent state policy, shortcomings in the certification system, underdeveloped laboratory infrastructure, and limited integration of small producers into international value chains. It is substantiated that a key factor in expanding export presence is the implementation of effective public-private partnership mechanisms, harmonization of the regulatory framework, and support for raw material quality and traceability. Promising directions for strengthening the sector’s institutional capacity are identified, including the development of a digital quality control system, enhancement of veterinary certification, stimulation of cooperation, and the creation of a national dairy product brand.

It is concluded that institutional support serves as a system-forming element in the process of developing a long-term export policy for the dairy cattle industry, and its modernization is a prerequisite for increasing Ukraine’s competitiveness in the global livestock products market.