In Ukraine, there is a decrease in the sheep population, and sheep farming production is currently unprofitable. This was reported by the Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Taras Vysotskyi in an interview with Delo.ua.
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According to him, as of the beginning of 2026, the sheep population is about 760,000 heads, which is more than 13% less than last year. At the same time, the industry’s economy is unprofitable both in meat production and wool.
Taras Vysotskyi also commented on estimates of the industry’s potential income at $20 billion per year, noting that the government currently does not operate with such generalized indicators due to the complex state of sheep farming.
At the same time, exports remain one of the development directions. Currently, the supply of live sheep and mutton amounts to about $2-2.2 million per year and is mainly oriented towards the markets of the Middle East and North Africa, including the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Lebanon, and Libya.
As the Deputy Minister pointed out, sheep farming is included in the State Livestock Development Program until 2033, which provides for the restoration of the population, increased productivity, expansion of exports, and attracting investments.
The program also includes adapting production to European Union standards and improving product quality.
In addition, state support for the industry includes partial reimbursement of the cost of breeding animals, subsidies for maintaining breeding stock, compensation for construction and reconstruction of farms, as well as cheaper loans.
In 2026, compensation of up to 25% of the cost of facilities is also provided, and for the front-line regions – up to 50%, as well as subsidies for maintaining the population.