The EDA Annual Convention 2025 in Utrecht last week gathered over 200 global dairy leaders to discuss the future of competitive, resilient, and sustainable dairy. Keynotes from European leaders and the Dutch government highlighted dairy’s central role in nutrition, community, and economic resilience. The event showcased the sector’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Thought-provoking panels explored balancing sustainability and competitiveness, fostering partnerships, and advancing dairy through scientific research and collaboration.

Alisa Tiganj, Member of Cabinet of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, outlined the strategic shift within the current European Commission, noting that the new approach seeks a more balanced alignment between sustainability and the competitiveness of Europe’s agricultural sector.

Ukraine was well represented by delegates, included Oleksandr Haidu, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Agrarian Policy and Land Relations, Arsen Didur, Executive Director for the Union of Dairy Enterprises of Ukraine and Maks Fasteyev, Strategic Development Adviser of the EU Integration Committee of Ukrainian Dairy.

The speech by Oleksander highlights Ukraine’s ongoing struggle during the #war and the crucial support received from Europe in political, economic, and humanitarian terms. Despite the challenges, Ukraine continues its European #integration, particularly in #agriculture, making significant progress and collaborating closely with European partners such as the European Dairy Association to align with EU #standards and enhance #trade agreements.

A massive thank-you to the organizers of the event, especially Alexander Anton (EDA) and Tjitske Bolt (NZO), for the warm welcome. We truly believe that events like this strengthen Ukrainian dairy developments as part of European dairy family. 💙 💛