Production will be finished on the site by the beginning of September 2019 and the farm is currently being offered for sale.
According to an MHP statement, the production of foie gras is not consistent with the Company's strategy and policy of being a global leader in Environmental & Social and Animal Welfare. The business said the Snyatynska poultry farm represents less than 0.5% of the assets of the MHP Group.
A MHP spokesman told Global Meat News that there are nearly 300 employees at the facility, who have all been offered roles elsewhere in the business.
Commenting on the site's closure, MHP chairman Dr John Rich, said:
“Following a strategic review of our business, MHP has decided to end our foie gras and goose operations. Our success has been built on our relentless pursuit of efficiency and as this asset represents just 0.5% of our total assets, they have been deemed non-core to our business and are not part of our future plans.
“In addition, while throughout our production processes we always work to the highest EU standards, MHP is determined to lead on important policy areas in corporate governance, sustainability, environmentalism, social responsibility and animal welfare. As such, foie gras production is not compatible with MHP’s approach.
“This builds on other industry-leading programs being implemented by MHP, such as our ambitious carbon reduction plan, our total antibiotic-free poultry production and our best practice in animal welfare standards, as recognised by independent experts.”
At the start of July 2019, MHP outlined progress it had made on improving sustainability, animal welfare and safety during 2018. One of its key wins for the year was a reported market improvement in welfare and safety standard such as a consistent improvement in overall company health and safety as evidenced by no incidences of health-related illnesses, displaying industry-leading animal welfare standards in line with the highest EU regulations and international standards as well as continued maintenance of rigorous product quality and safety control procedures, from the grain growing stage through to production of poultry products.
