Jean-Michel Schaeffer, who leads the Interprofessional Association of Chicken Suppliers Anvol, spoke about the impact of Ukrainian poultry on European markets. He warned that French poultry farmers face unfair competition from producers in Ukraine, a concern tied to changes in trade policy and market structure.
In June, the European Commission widened duty-free imports of Ukrainian chicken, which Schaeffer described as causing a sudden surge in market supply. This influx, he argued, pressures prices and margins for traditional European producers who rely on established supply chains and family-owned farming models.
Schaeffer highlighted a stark contrast between French poultry farming, typically a family business, and Ukrainian operations that operate in a different commercial category. He noted that the production costs in Ukraine are substantially lower, with estimates suggesting prices are nearly half of those seen in the European Union, a factor that reshapes competitive dynamics for meat producers across member states.
Looking ahead, Schaeffer urged the European Commission to adopt measures that safeguard local farmers. He argued that the current trajectory benefits large Ukrainian producers, notably the major company MHP, and potentially undermines the livelihoods of European family farms.
In related developments, earlier reports indicated that Ukraine intends to adjust alcohol pricing policies, signaling broader regulatory shifts within the region. [Citation: Anvol and regional trade sources]
Additionally, analysis from Russian and regional experts has noted personnel vulnerabilities across parts of the Federation’s agriculture-related sectors, suggesting broader implications for regional food supply chains and labor markets. [Citation: Regional economic analyses]