Ukrainian poultry conglomerate MHP implements EU animal welfare standards ahead of schedule

The Ukrainian poultry producer MHP has a firm eye on the European market. In order to remain competitive in the future, the company has already implemented the requirements of EU Directive 2007/43/EC on the rearing of broiler chickens ahead of schedule.

The directive, which will become binding for Ukraine as well under the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement from January 1, 2026, sets minimum standards for stocking density, barn climate, and animal welfare.

"We implement many requirements before they become mandatory in Ukraine. This not only strengthens our market position but also builds trust among international partners," explains Yuriy Melnyk, Deputy CEO for Sustainable Development at MHP, to the US media group WATTPoultry.

MHP commits to lower stocking density, with measures already implemented including reducing the stocking density to 33 kg of live weight per square meter. Under certain conditions, the directive allows for an increase in stocking density to up to 39 kg of live weight per square meter.

In addition, temperature, humidity, and ammonia levels in the barn are monitored, and animal welfare indicators such as mortality and footpad inflammation are recorded. Furthermore, employee training in animal welfare has been intensified.

For German producers, MHP's early adoption of EU standards could pose a challenge, especially in light of potentially lower production costs in Ukraine. While the directive has been in force in Germany since 2010, there is a risk that Eastern European producers may position themselves more strongly on the EU market with cheaper products. Ukraine already exports around 173,000 tons of poultry meat to the EU annually, with a growing trend.

Whether MHP, as a pioneer, can also motivate other Eastern European producers to adapt to EU standards early remains to be seen. For German producers, this could mean further competitive pressure in the medium term.