Helping Ukraine’s Dairy Farmers Stay Strong
With the ongoing war in the Ukraine, dairy farmers in Ukraine are struggling.
In the spring and summer of 2025, 62 diesel generators, each with a capacity of 80 to 100 kilowatts, will be deployed across Ukraine. These generators are essential for powering dairy farms, particularly in regions affected by war and electricity shortages. Each generator can support farms with 200 to 800 cows.
This initiative was made possible by renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés is partnering with the SaveUA Foundation to assist Ukrainian dairy farmers through his Longer Tables Fund. This collaboration aims to provide crucial support to farmers impacted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
José Andrés relocated to the United States in the early 1990s and has since opened restaurants in several American cities. Over the years, he has earned several awards for both his culinary skills as well as his humanitarian efforts.
“Due to the damage to the energy infrastructure, power outages last from several hours to several days, threatening the food security of Ukraine. For dairy farms, even 1–2 hours of outages are critical, as they result in a loss of at least 1 liter of daily milk yield, and recovery to the previous level of productivity takes months,” said Andrii Dykun, founder of the SaveUA Foundation.
“These generators will power milking equipment and refrigeration systems, ensuring that farmers can continue their work, support their communities and feed their people even in the face of incredible challenges. This isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it's keeping Ukraine's economy going,”
The need for reliable energy sources became evident during the summer of 2024, when extreme heat and prolonged power outages led to a 20-40% reduction in milk production. The farms receiving these generators manage around 40,000 cows, producing milk for approximately 1.5 million Ukrainians each year.
“It’s an honor to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine’s dairy farmers and support the vital work of SaveUA. I am inspired by the bravery and solidarity of these farmers, and I am proud that the purchase of generators for war-affected dairy farms will help Ukraine continue to feed its people,” said Andrés.
“Over these last three years, we’ve learned so much about resilience, about innovation, about community—and about the power of food to inspire hope. I know this is only a first step on the road to rebuilding Ukraine’s food production capabilities that the world depends on, but I hope it will bring immediate relief and stability to those who feed their communities."
This initiative represents a critical effort to help Ukrainian dairy farmers maintain their productivity and support their communities during challenging times.
Click here to learn more about the Save UA, initiative.