Ukraine-Meat shortage.

UKRAINE-MEAT AND LIVESTOCK SHORTAGE.

The Association Ukrmyaso has announced that at present share of imported meat at production of sausage goods at Ukrainian meat plants reaches 70%. At the same time, output declines. Through January-February 2009 the index fell 18.7%, to 40,500 tons. The industry lacks raw material. In January-February 2009 output of beef and veal fell 73.3%, to 2,100 tons, pork by 45.8%, to 13,800 tons. As a result, since the beginning of 2009 about 27 out of over 100 meat-processing plants in Ukraine were forced to stop operating. Facilities of other enterprises are occupied by about 30%. Until the end of 2009, 50% of enterprises of the industry may stop because of lack of raw material and floating funds.