February 14, 2024

 

NFU survey reveals concerns for UK egg and poultry producers

 

A survey conducted by the National Farmers Union (NFU) has unveiled an uncertain future for producers of British eggs and poultry meat, signalling the need for greater government support and reform within the supply chain, Shropshire Star reported.

 

Examining the impact of the past two years on poultry production and farmers' intentions for the next two years, the survey revealed that 24% of egg producers and 15% of chicken meat producers expressed uncertainty about continuing production beyond November 2025.

 

Insufficient returns, indicating unprofitable businesses, emerged as the primary reason for this uncertainty, prompting NFU poultry board chair James Mottershead to stress the urgent need for sector-wide support.

 

Key concerns highlighted by the survey include the persistent risk of avian influenza, with 94% of egg producers and 92% of chicken meat producers expressing significant concern on this front.

 

Additionally, worries regarding fairness in the supply chain were prevalent, with 90% of egg producers and 76% of chicken meat producers expressing concern about the lack of fairness.

 

High energy prices were another major concern, with 92% of egg producers and 61% of chicken meat producers expressing significant worry, along with the threat of being undercut by imports.

 

To address these challenges and better support the production of high-quality UK eggs and poultry meat, the NFU is advocating for greater fairness in poultry supply chains, inclusion of poultry producers in the Energy Intensive Industries scheme, and the development of a long-term government strategy to combat future avian influenza outbreaks.

 

James Mottershead emphasised the importance of supporting the sector amidst volatile production costs and ongoing threats from avian influenza, stressing the need for certainty and fairness across the supply chain to sustain the production of safe, nutritious, and sustainable poultry meat and eggs.

 

He also underscored the need for continued vigilance against avian influenza, awaiting the government's recommendations from the avian influenza vaccination taskforce to inform decisions aimed at protecting the national flock.

 

-      Shropshire Star