Since the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the low on amendments of some laws of Ukraine regarding the support of agro-industrial complex in the conditions of the world financial crisis (#1782-17) on December 22, 2009, Ukrainian processing companies have stopped VAT payments to milk and meat producers which have resulted in extremely high raw milk prices.  

In Ukraine, average raw milk price rose by 48% as compared to November 2009.   During the last decade, milk prices have been going up slowly (except for milk prices for individual milk producers in Western Ukraine).

Average milk prices in Ukraine at the end of January were:
   corporate sector – UAH 3,200 per ton (or 33% - 45% more from average autumn prices 2009)
   private sector – UAH 2.39  per litter (or 27% - 32% more from average autumn prices 2009)

Accordingly, retail prices for dairy products were higher:
   whole milk  22%
   fermented milk products 20%
   cheese 42%
   butter 21%