Ukraine is seeking to increase the use of domestically produced fish in state-funded institutions as part of wider efforts to strengthen food security and support local producers during wartime.
Opportunities to expand supplies of Ukrainian fish to public institutions, along with barriers to procurement, supply stability, product quality and safety requirements, and the availability of domestically produced fish products, were discussed during a working meeting involving representatives from the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, the State Fish Agency and other relevant state bodies. The discussions focused on supplying healthcare institutions, the National Guard of Ukraine and the State Border Service.
Ukraine currently has 359 aquaculture enterprises and 34 certified fish processing facilities, providing sufficient capacity to meet the needs of state institutions with high-quality domestic fish products and ensure stable supplies.
Procurement data from the first half of 2026 showed that almost 70 percent of hospital spending on fish products was allocated to imports, despite the potential for much of this demand to be met by Ukrainian producers.
Experts estimate that changes to public procurement practices could increase the share of Ukrainian fish served in healthcare institutions to 92 percent during the second half of the year. This would retain a greater proportion of public spending within the domestic economy, supporting local businesses and employment.
The meeting also highlighted the nutritional benefits of Ukrainian freshwater fish, which provides protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. However, average fish consumption in Ukraine remains at 46 grams per person per day, around half the recommended intake. Increasing the use of Ukrainian fish in meals served to patients and military personnel was therefore recognised as having wider social benefits.
Deputy Minister Iryna Ovcharenko said import substitution had become a matter of national resilience as well as economic policy.
“Today, import substitution is no longer just an economic policy, but a matter of national sustainability. Every kilogram of Ukrainian fish that ends up on the table in our hospitals, military units or other state institutions supports Ukrainian producers, creates jobs in local communities, generates tax revenue and contributes to the country’s food security. Our task is to create the conditions for Ukrainian fish to become the natural choice for public procurement.”
Participants concluded that strengthening the domestic fish market would help support Ukrainian businesses while improving the country’s long-term food independence.
This story is based on information published by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine and has been translated into English using Google Translate.
