29 Mar 2022

Ukraine Crisis

UK Pet Food member companies are responding individually to humanitarian aid appeals to support the people of Ukraine and their pets. PFMA itself has also donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal.

The pet food industry in the UK continues to monitor the tragic situation in Ukraine.  

PFMA member companies are responding individually to humanitarian aid appeals to support the people of Ukraine and their pets. PFMA itself has also donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal.  

Our industry stands ready to continue to help where we can in the essential task of ensuring those affected by the crisis receive vital support.  


Defra has issued a statement to announce emergency support for those fleeing Ukraine with their pets. Using an emergency licence, Ukrainian nationals will be able to bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs met by the Government.   

PFMA Chairman, Greg Van Praagh, advises: “Like everyone we are deeply concerned and saddened by the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine. We will monitor the situation closely and act where we can, to provide support to those in need”.  
 

Ukraine Crisis Q&A 

Donations of pet food  

Many manufacturers have donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian appeal but are now seeking further opportunities to provide supplies of pet food to people and their pets in Ukraine or refugees in neighbouring countries. We are working with UK Government and the Embassy of Ukraine in London to identify potential routes for these donations. 

For those looking to support animal-specific causes, Eurogroup for Animals is sharing a list of animal protection organisations working in Ukraine or supporting animals travelling with refugees.  
 

Availability of ingredients / raw materials  

PFMA members are working hard to the ensure continuity of supply for pet owners and their pets. Members are complying with the international sanctions, and this will have an impact. 

Russia and Ukraine combined are key global suppliers for e.g., wheat, maize, and barley. Russia is the world’s top exporter of nitrogen fertilizers and the second leading supplier of both potassic and phosphorous fertilizers. 80% of global sunflower oil exports originate from Ukraine or Russia and many manufacturers need to switch to alternative cooking oils and ingredients.

Supply disruptions in agri-food products from the region are likely to affect supply in the region, the EU and globally. 
 

Product labelling requirements 

As a result of the potential challenges around certain ingredients, many manufacturers may need to switch to alternative ingredients. This has implications for information included on product labels. We are working with Government to put in place temporary flexibility around product labelling to minimise potential disruption to supplies whilst maintaining food quality and safety.