MHP, the agricultural conglomerate based in Ukraine, has described the effects of the invasion by Russia on its operations.
The company employs more than 26,000 people in Ukraine and supplies around 400,000 tonnes of chicken meat to the Ukrainian market, representing around half of all chicken produced for the domestic market.
In a statement by executive chairman John Rich, the company said the safety and security of its workers and their families was of utmost concern.
“MHP, like all Ukrainian companies, has encountered significant difficulties with its supply chain. Ukrainian roads are currently dangerous, especially in the active zones. There have been highly reliable reports that military vehicles are shooting without any regard for civilian lives, even at trucks of food supplies vital for the survival of Ukrainian women and children. Many trade channels have ceased operation due to the threat from Russian forces. The Company is therefore seeking alternative ways to deliver these vital supplies to the needy.”
MHP exports more than half of its chicken meat, mainly to the EU, the Middle East and Africa. In its statement, it said all exports had been halted, but it would aim to continue producing food.
“Needless to say, because of the damaged supply routes, the company is currently unable to export any Ukrainian produce,” the statement said. “Inevitably, this is causing the company to incur significant unplanned losses. As the valiant Ukrainian defenders put their lives at risk to resist the Russian aggressor, MHP will continue to fight hard to ensure the safety of its employees. In order to ensure the National Food Security of Ukraine, MHP’s production will not cease.”
