June 19, 2024

 

Egg producers want next UK government to ban lower quality egg imports

 

UK egg producers have called on the next UK government to introduce a ban on lower quality and standard egg imports.

 

The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has set out its request ahead of the next UK general election, which is due on July 4.

 

In a manifesto, the BEIC calls on the government to provide appropriate protection against egg imports not produced to the UK's standards. It also underlines the need for stronger collaboration between the government and the egg sector to develop evidence-based solutions for environmental issues.

 

Continued inclusion of the sector in future grant funding, such as manure stores, must also be included, BEIC said.

 

The BEIC owns the Lion Quality trademark and runs the Lion Quality Scheme for egg production, which accounts for 95% of UK production.

 

BEIC chief executive Gary Ford said the sector was one of British farming's success stories, providing consumers with a 'super food' at an affordable price.

 

"It is absolutely essential that the next UK government puts the conditions in place to ensure the industry is able to operate sustainably for years to come," Ford said.

 

On biosecurity, the BEIC said the government must ensure that there are sufficient resources available through the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) to help deal with future bird flu outbreaks and bring compensation in line with other livestock species.

 

The BEIC said the government must also meet the needs of the UK production base whilst protecting the environment through reform of the planning system, in order to enable the sector to grow and meet consumer demand.

 

Finally, on public procurement, the manifesto calls on the next UK government to promote British ingredients within food products and across the public sector through procurement in schools and hospitals.

- Farming UK