Ukraine’s leading poultry processor and exporter, MHP, is set to initiate a trial production of insect meal in the first quarter of 2026, as disclosed by Serhiy Melnychuk, scientific advisor to the chairman of MHP.
Innovating with Insect Protein
This groundbreaking project aims to explore insect-based alternative protein production, as highlighted by Melnychuk during the recent VI International Conference on Soil Fertility Restoration, reported by the local news outlet Latifundist. MHP’s decision aligns with global challenges surrounding protein shortages, environmental issues, and the depletion of natural resources.
Melnychuk pointed out that one driving factor behind this initiative is the significant decline in fish catches, which have traditionally been used to produce fishmeal — a crucial ingredient in animal feed. Despite the potential of this project, he cautioned that it may take time to yield tangible results, stating, “Biotechnology is such a fickle thing, and the only way to make it work is with good knowledge.”
Facing Production Challenges
As MHP ventures into new territories, it does so amidst serious challenges confronting both the company and the broader Ukrainian poultry sector. During the first half of 2025, MHP’s poultry meat production saw a decline of 7%, totaling 341,940 tonnes. Alarmingly, the second quarter alone recorded a 14% dip, with production dropping to 161,071 tonnes compared to the same quarter last year.
Additionally, the Ukrainian poultry industry has been facing ongoing blackouts, which can last between 8 to 12 hours daily. While many poultry farms have established backup power systems, these blackouts still pose severe risks to their operations.
“There are large industrial generators that need to be operational. We face issues reconnecting power because these generators occasionally malfunction, and if the birds are without power for just 15 minutes, they can suffocate. This leads to significant losses,” remarked Sergey Karpenko, chairman of the Ukrainian Poultry Farmers Association.
Adopting Alternative Energy Sources
In light of these challenges, MHP has been proactive in generating its own energy, primarily through renewable sources such as biogas sourced from poultry waste, solar energy, and cogeneration. Major initiatives like Biogas Ladyzhyn and Oril-Leader have proven effective, producing electricity and heat for MHP’s operations, while also creating bio-LNG for export. This strategy is crucial for mitigating risks associated with grid attacks.
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