NAK, BTT Concerned by Ukrainian Poultry, Egg Imports
Photo by Campre/Shutterstock.com
The National Agriculture Chamber (NAK) and the Poultry Product Council (BTT) called for halting imports of Ukrainian poultry and eggs in a joint statement on Thursday, according to a report by state news wire MTI.
They argued that the unlimited inflow of these products into the European Union not only jeopardizes the future of production in the EU and Europe's ability for self-sustenance but also poses food safety concerns.
While poultry farmers in the EU have to comply with strict food safety, veterinary health, and animal welfare rules, Ukrainian producers are not subject to EU regulations, they said.
NAK and BTT noted that the EU quota before the liberalization limited imports of Ukrainian poultry at 90,000 tonnes a year. In the one year since June 2022, the EU imported 218,000 tonnes of Ukrainian poultry, they added. As for egg imports, 2022 saw a fourfold increase compared with the previous year, they said, adding that in March 2023 alone, 100 million eggs were imported, nearly as much as during the whole of 2021.
Not even the war in Ukraine can justify the EU providing "political benefits" to Ukraine through which "products failing to meet EU requirements" could enter the community, NAK and BTT said. Moreover, the EU liberalizing Ukrainian imports is "benefiting a few oligarchs rather than the Ukrainian people", they added.
All rules applicable to producers of the EU must also be applicable to any imported products, they said, adding that "this is expected not only in the interest of fair competition but also from the aspects of food safety and the interests of consumers."
Fuel Prices Move Closer to Avg of Neighboring Countries
EC Reconsiders Some CAP Provisions
Living's Kassák Terrace and Park West 3 Classified as Brownf...
Aldi Opening Biggest Store in Budapest
SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
