Status and prospects of beef and veal production in Ukraine in the context of international economic integration

Abstract

Beef production is driven by the need to ensure the country’s food security, meet the processing industry’s demand for raw materials, and increase state budget revenues from exports. The purpose of this study was to highlight the status and trends of production in the world and Ukraine, to identify issues and find areas of development considering international economic integration. The methods employed were analysis, synthesis, generalisation, specification, mathematical, and graphical. The study identified the upward trend in global beef and veal production, the main producing countries and the predominant stability of their share in global volumes over the decades. It was found that higher beef production does not always allow for higher per capita volumes (e.g., in China and India). Ukraine’s production and its share in global volumes are declining, although production exceeds consumption. It was found that the share of agricultural enterprises in the structure of economic entities is decreasing, and there is a direct dependence between their number and production volumes, which prevails in the Forest-Steppe zone. The largest producing regions (Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Kharkiv, Lviv) were highlighted, where priority development in the post-war period is expected. The study found the principal reasons for the decline in production, including a decrease in livestock numbers, negative profitability, and rising average consumer prices. Based on the SWOT analysis results, development prospects were identified and relevant proposals were developed. The reasons for the decrease in the number of cattle and beef were proposed to be distinguished as general, and those related to enterprises and household farms; their interdependence was emphasised. The study stressed the need for state support for producers by providing food aid to the population free of charge and by purchasing products at lower prices depending on their financial level. International economic integration was singled out as one of the key factors of increasing beef production. The study emphasised the need to consider the consumer preferences of the population of countries with which regional trade agreements have been concluded, specifically regarding the production of kosher and halal products. The findings of this study and the proposals provided can be used to develop government measures to increase beef production and increase its share in world exports