MHP complies with government regulations under which all Ukrainian meat producers are required to gain approval for the installation of new machinery or the introduction of new technologies.

 

A number of our activities are subject to various laws and regulations on protecting the environment. The various chemicals we use and the waste we produce could, for example, have a negative impact on the wildlife and vegetation close to our facilities if they were discharged improperly. We make annual payments – effectively an environmental tariff – to the State to compensate for any pollution we generate. These payments, which are adjusted each year, are based on expected emissions and would increase significantly if actual levels were higher.

 

We have never incurred material environmental penalties nor have we been subject to material environmental investigations.

 

Companies which use packaging in their operations are expected to create their own recycling systems or to make regular payments to the State to cover the cost of recycling. We do not produce a significant amount of packaging and our products are predominantly sold in returnable containers.

 

Genetically modified materials MHP does not use genetically modified materials in its fodder or its products.

 

Steroids, antibiotics and other substances MHP does not use steroids in its chicken production; it uses antibiotics only to the extent permitted by legislation.

 

Pesticides and agro-chemicals MHP’s crop-rotation process enables it to minimize the use of pesticides and agro-chemicals. To the extent that we use either, we comply with the legislation which governs their use.

 

 

We have instituted programmes to improve worksite safety and working conditions, including training employees. We inspect our equipment regularly and have a labour protection department which is responsible for ensuring that we comply with health and safety requirements.

 

We have a programme aimed at attracting and retaining qualified young people. We sponsor specialised agricultural education for our employees’ children, offer summer employment to students from Ukraine’s leading agricultural colleges, and provide rent-free accommodation for new young employees who join us after taking part in our programme.