March 7, 2013

Due to increased rates in the livestock industry and the government livestock support programmes, Ukraine's meat consumption this year will be 55.3 kilogrammes.

This was announced by Mykola Prysyazhnyuk, the Minister of the Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.

In Ukraine the average meat consumption in 2012 was 54.4 kilogrammes per person. To increase the consumption of this product and its production, the Government continues to support the livestock industry. Thus, last year it has overcome the negative trend in the industry and it sold to slaughter 3.4 million tonnes of cattle and poultry that is 3.4% more than in 2011.

"Last year we stabilised and even increased the number of cattle in all categories. A positive situation with the livestock in early 2013 confirms our predictions concerning meat consumption increase up to 55.3 kilogrammes per person a year", Mykola Prysyazhnyuk said.

The figures of the livestock at the beginning of the year show that on February 1, the number of cattle was 4.7 million heads that is 4.5% more against the same period of last year. The number of pigs was increased by 3.7% and it was 7,500 heads. However, the greatest growth is observed in poultry. It was increased by 7.8%. There were 206.4 million poultry heads. Systematic State Support of the livestock last year gave such results.

"We will have increased meat consumption if we continue to support producers who are engaged into cattle and poultry growth. That's why the State will continue to provide targeted support to encourage the development of livestock at the farms units and enterprises", Mykola Prysyazhnyuk added.