September 20, 2007

Ukraine eyes poultry export as production soars 

Ukraine would encourage the development of poultry breeding in the country and enhance its exporting potential, Vice Prime Minister Viktor Slauta said at a poultry conference.

Slauta made the announcement while taking part in the 3rd international scientific and practical conference on poultry breeding in the Crimea, which drew participants from 37 countries.

Poultry breeding has seen dynamic development over the past few years and has attracted much investment, the vice minister said.

Poultry meat production rose 20 percent, totaling 447,500 tonnes in the eight months of 2007, while broiler meat production has grown by 22.4 percent amounting to 397,800 tonnes.

Total broiler meat production for 2007 is expected to reach 650,000 tonnes chiefly due to the development of large poultry farms.

Poultry consumption per person grew from 9.1 kg to 16 kg per year between 2003 and 2006.

The rapid growth in production has been accompanied by considerable poultry exports to Russia and other CIS countries.