Following a comprehensive review of its grain and oilseeds businesses in Central and Eastern Europe, Cargill will stop providing crop inputs to farmers and will fully exit from these activities by the end of May 2016.
This change will affect Cargill’s businesses in Hungary, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Poland.
The company will refocus its attention on its grain and oilseeds origination, merchandizing and trading activities in these markets.
These changes will potentially impact 180 people across the countries involved in crop input activities.
The actual number per country is subject to discussion with the employees’ representatives and a consultation process has begun in the impacted countries.
While Cargill’s crop inputs business has had some successes in Eastern Europe, the company has been unable to realize many of the expected synergies between origination and crop inputs.
The Black Sea region remains a key focus for strategic growth and Cargill will continue to strengthen its existing investments and operations, including its network of port terminals and oilseed crush plants in the region.
Cargill remains committed to Central and Eastern Europe and its agricultural sector.
Cargill will commence winding down its crop inputs activities immediately while continuing to service its customers over the next few months.
