Interviewed by Olga Zarytska

Ask the first comer, whether he believes in fair and honest business. In response, you will likely hear "No!" It’s not because there are no reliable companies in the market, but there many of those, who wish to make money fast, easy and by any means. Newcomers have the hardest time in this situation, no matter what noble the intentions they have. The only thing that can help them is convincing facts and satisfied customers. The director of a start-up company DK -Vet Valerii Samofal is telling about formation, growth and success of the company.

— Why did you start this business? What were the first steps?

— To understand why we started the company we should analyze the development of Ukrainian agricultural market, and in particular veterinarian. For historical reasons, the social and economic conditions in the country at the end of the previous and the beginning of the present century didn’t really contribute to the development of agricultural production. The market developed chaotically, trust disappeared: farmers didn’t trust the government, each other and commercial companies. The quality of veterinary drugs was another big problem. Average farmer didn’t have access to the latest information and modern technology. He had no choice and bought what was offered in the nearest local dispensaries of veterinary medicine. Retail margin was very high. Nobody even mentioned about any easy terms for livestock producers.

Two years ago members of Ukrainian Dairy Association assessed the situation and responded immediately: it was decided to establish a cooperative. However, according to Ukrainian legislation juridical personality has no rights to do it. So one option remains: to register a juridical personality that will provide Association members with necessary veterinary and biological products, including vaccines and tools, at competitive prices. Therefore, I can’t say that the history of our company was cloudless.

— Has veterinary market changed since the company has existed?

— What is quality guarantee?

¾ Should you provide any additional quality review?

— What is the reserve of products in stock?

— What are the major clients of your company?

— How do you deliver products?

— Is a farmer always satisfied? 

— Can farmers lot on any special terms?

— Do you take part in registration of new veterinary drugs?

— What was the attitude of other veterinary distributors?

— What are main achievements of your company and plans for the future?

Read answers on these and other questions in the magazine “Milk and Farm” № 1 (20), February, 2014.