25 April 2025

3 minute read

By: Global Ag Media

Europe

MHP presented its vision of developing an environmentally and socially responsible model of the company and shared its practical experience in implementing European standards in the field of ESG (environment, social responsibility and corporate governance) and animal welfare, according to a company-issued press release. 

During an open dialogue with diplomats from France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and the EU Delegation to Ukraine, the company presented in detail the mechanisms by which it has long been working to comply with European directives in its operations, in particular Directive 2007/43/EC (on requirements for broiler housing conditions), as well as Regulations 1/2005/EC (on the transport of animals) and 1099/2009/EC (on slaughter conditions).

It is noted that according to the order of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine No. 224, the implementation of the provisions of Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at slaughter comes into force on January 1, 2026, but the requirements of this provision have long been implemented in MHP's activities.

"We are convinced that compliance with European standards is not a formality, but a prerequisite for a stable presence in the EU market. In many cases, we implement requirements even before they become legal obligations in Ukraine. This is true integration, as well as a guarantee of trust and development of international activities," said Yuriy Melnyk, MHP's deputy chief executive officer for sustainable development.

MHP already complies with key EU requirements for poultry welfare, creating comfortable growing conditions at all production sites. The company ensures free movement of poultry in poultry houses, maintains controlled temperature, humidity, ventilation, ammonia and lighting conditions, uses high-quality bedding and guarantees constant access to clean water and balanced feed.

MHP's poultry farms operate in compliance with the laws of Ukraine, countries of export (including the EU), and the requirements of the GLOBAL S.L.P. IFM STANDARD. For 3 years in a row, Myronivska Poultry Farm and Vinnytsia Poultry Farm have been successfully audited for compliance with the requirements of GLOBAL S.L.P. IFM, an internationally recognized certification scheme in the livestock sector that covers animal welfare, biosecurity and sustainable farm management requirements. Both factories have the appropriate certificates to prove this.

Regular veterinary supervision and biosafety control have also been introduced. Compliance with these conditions, including the standardized placement density, is in line with the provisions of Directive 2007/43/EC and other EU acts. This proactive implementation of the standards even before they officially enter into force in Ukraine is a clear indication of MHP's deep integration into the European regulatory framework.

Special attention was paid to environmental issues during the meeting. MHP representatives spoke about the existing biogas complexes, wastewater treatment system, emissions monitoring and environmental audits that are regularly conducted in cooperation with international financial institutions. They also presented some infrastructure projects implemented to improve conditions for local communities. In particular, in the village of Olyanytsia (Vinnytsia region), the company invested in the construction of a bypass road, which reduced the impact of transport on the local community — an example of a proactive environmental policy at the local level.

MHP also emphasized its strategic readiness to adapt to the requirements of Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions, which is one of the most demanding parts of EU environmental legislation.

"We understand that environmental and animal welfare issues are not a trend, but the norm. Therefore, our approach is based on transparency, open dialogue with communities and responsibility to our partners," the company emphasised.

As a result of the meeting, the parties confirmed their common vision of a sustainable, environmentally friendly and ethical future in which Ukrainian producers can become a full-fledged part of the European supply chain.