National Farmers' Union Calls For Poultry Price Rise, UK

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Article Date: 29 Apr 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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A price rise for poultry is being called for by the NFU (National Farmers' Union) to help farmers facing losses due to rising energy costs.

In a report, British Chicken - What Price? the NFU warns the poultry industry is in a fragile state. It says an industry price increase is the only way to secure UK production of farm-assured chicken for consumers.

The British chicken industry is currently worth £1.3 billion per year and is the strongest in Europe. The Avian Influenza crisis had little impact on UK chicken sales and our market was able to absorb inexpensive European meat surpluses. But this has meant added pressure for UK farmers by causing downward pressure on poultry prices.

The NFU is calling on retailers to establish a fair poultry price to enable farmers to meet consumer demand for British chicken, while achieving a margin over production to invest in the industry's future.

In addition poultry farmers are facing further production costs to meet growing environmental legislation. The Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations aim to prevent and control emissions to air, land and water, and to address energy efficiency, the consumption of raw materials, noise and site restoration. However it will add around £6,000 extra costs to every poultry farm with 40,000 poultry places or more.

NFU poultry board chairman Charles Bourns said: "A price rise is vital so farmers can maintain this successful, vibrant industry. It has grown year on year in line with consumer demand."

1. The British Chicken - What Price? report is being launched at the Pig and Poultry Fair, being held at the National Agricultural Centre, Warwickshire, on May 9-10, 11am, to which the press is invited to attend.

2. An example of industry losses at grassroots: A medium-sized poultry farmer rearing 200,000 birds at 400,000 kg, could face a loss of 6.2p per kg. This equates to a loss of almost £25,000 per flock every year. A chicken farmer typically rears about six flocks per year.

3. Chicken equates about one third of total meat production in the UK - six per cent is free range and three per cent is organic - with both markets on the increase.

4. A new-look Poultry Forum magazine for NFU members is being launched at the fair, with copies available from the NFU stand, opposite Kelly's Turkeys, in the centre of the main poultry area. A taster edition will also be available online at http://www.nfuonline.com from May 8.

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