Ukraine’s pig industry is facing labour shortages and production challenges due to the ongoing conflict. At the same time, there are growing opportunities to introduce new technologies and increase women’s participation in skilled and technical roles.
Industry suffers from labour shortage
Almost every second Ukrainian pig farm is currently reporting a lack of staff, according to the latest survey conducted by the Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders. Nearly 26% of pig breeders experience a shortage of key production personnel, such as technologists, veterinarians, operators and managers. A similar number reported difficulties filling technical positions, including mechanics and electricians.
“We believe there is huge potential to increase women’s participation in the workforce. Women hold significant capacity to step into these roles and strengthen the sector, and we are focusing on creating jobs for women in pig breading. By combining inclusivity with modern technologies, the industry can enhance both its resilience and recovery,” said Takashi Kambayashi, the Chief Executive Officer of Japanese company Eco-Pork, which is currently conducting a feasibility study in Ukraine.
Japanese solution for a sustainable pork ecosystem
Eco-Pork offers an innovative solution for building a sustainable pork ecosystem. The Japanese company leverages digital transformation (DX) technologies, using AI to analyze camera-based image data across every phase of the process, from pig birth to the pork that reaches the dinner table.
“We have been using data to develop solutions that both improve productivity and reduce environmental impact in the pig industry. With DX technology, tasks that once relied heavily on intuition and years of experience can now be performed with data-driven accuracy. This lowers entry barriers and opens doors for women to take on skilled and technical roles,” added Kambayashi.
Eco-Pork’s integrated model combines artificial intelligence-powered vision systems, an Internet of Things analytics platform, and carbon-credit financing for the pork industry. By leveraging emissions reduction credits to subsidize its services, this unique model pairs agricultural technology with climate finance, creating a self-sustaining solution. 
Highlighting valuable skills and perspectives of women
In Ukraine, Eco-Pork is partnering with the Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders. Oksana Yurchenko, the association’s president, is a prominent woman leader contributing to the modernization of the sector. Her leadership has encouraged more women to see themselves as part of the industry’s future.
“Involving women in Ukraine’s pig industry is a matter of inclusivity, resilience and innovation. Women bring valuable skills and perspectives that can strengthen farms and the sector as a whole,” said Yurchenko.
She actively travels across Ukraine to engage with producers and to promote women’s empowerment and modern breeding practices. For example, at the International Congress “Profitable Pig Production” in 2025, one of the industry’s largest events, Yurchenko presented Eco-Pork’s technology to key stakeholders, further highlighting the role of innovation and inclusivity in shaping the future of pig breeding.
UNIDO Green industrial recovery project
Eco-Pork is part of the UNIDO Green industrial recovery project for Ukraine through technology transfer from and the co-creation of new businesses with Japan's private industries. The company is conducting a feasibility study in Ukraine, which focuses on identifying local partners, establishing baseline herd data, and reviewing regulatory requirements. This foundational work will assess the technical and economic viability of deploying Eco-Pork’s technologies in Ukraine.
If accepted to the next phase, the company intends to ensure that women are actively involved in training and technology adoption. In collaboration with local stakeholders, Eco-Pork is planning to provide training for technicians and researchers, laying the foundation for a resilient, digitally enabled and climate-smart pork ecosystem in Ukraine.
For more information please contact: Irma Juskenaite, I.JUSKENAITE@unido.org
For more information about the project, please visit here: Green industrial recovery project for Ukraine through technology transfer from and the co-creation of new businesses with Japan's private industries | UNIDO