British eggs and poultry under threat: 24% of producers may close by 2025
The future of British breakfasts and roast dinners could be at risk, with nearly a quarter of egg and poultry producers suggesting that they could be facing closure by 2025 according to a recent National Farming Union (NFU) survey. This alarming statistic paints a picture of an industry under immense pressure, struggling with rising costs, unfair supply chains, and the constant threat of disease.
The survey, conducted among 253 poultry producers, revealed significant cost increases over the past two years:
- Feed: Up 31% for both egg and chicken meat producers
- Electricity: Up 35% for egg producers and 41% for chicken meat producers
- Workforce salaries: Up 22% for egg producers and 20% for chicken meat producers
These rising costs, coupled with concerns about unfair pricing practices within the supply chain, have left many producers uncertain about their future. What should be of huge concern to the nation’s consumers is that 24% of egg producers and 15% of chicken meat producers are unsure if they will still be in business by 2025.
Key concerns
The numbers speak very clearly of the concern that farmers and producers feel for disease outbreaks. On the back of years of significant disease threats, it’s no surprise that 94% of egg and 92% of chicken meat producers are worried about the devastation that further avian influenza outbreaks might bring. Whilst current infection numbers have reduced, new cases are still being reported meaning that the threat remains.
Other concerns focus around the financial challenges many are feeling as a result of reduced margins, squeezed by both increased costs and pressure from supermarkets and consumers for lower prices. The NFU data highlighted that 90% of egg and 76% of chicken meat producers feel they are not getting a fair share of the profits.
In addition to this, 92% of egg and 61% of chicken meat producers are struggling with energy costs – whilst 90% of egg and 78% of chicken meat producers are concerned about cheaper imported products as the UK navigates new trade deals in a post-Brexit era.
The NFU is calling for:
- Fairer share of profits: Ensuring a more equitable distribution of profits across the supply chain.
- Energy support: Including poultry producers in government schemes for energy-intensive industries.
- Long-term avian influenza strategy (AI): Developing a comprehensive plan to mitigate the risks of avian influenza outbreaks.
NFU poultry board chair James Mottershead emphasises the urgency of the situation: “British eggs and poultry meat are staples, but the sector is under immense strain. The government must act now to support our producers and ensure we continue to have access to safe, nutritious, and sustainably produced poultry products.“
We must support British poultry producers as consumers in the choices we make in the shops and supermarkets. In addition, at Livetec we are passionate about supporting them by improving biosecurity and reducing the catastrophic damage that emergencies can cause.
If the industry and consumers work together in this mission, we can safeguard the future of our iconic dishes and protect the livelihoods of countless farmers.
How Livetec are supporting UK poultry farmers
Livetec have been the UK’s on-farm biosecurity champions for the past decade.
Our solutions range from our Biosecurity Advisory Service to our Livetec Systems App providing poultry farmers and backyard keepers with real-time information on avian influenza and wild bird cases, as well as historical case records.
We also have a comprehensive library of white papers and the latest news and guidance for UK poultry farmers.
Contact our team today and find out how Livetec can help you protect your animals here.
