The British Pig and Poultry Fair heard that demand for poultry meat is “strong and growing”, but pig producers are “facing a downturn”.
Speakers at the British Pig and Poultry Fair in mid-May, which was organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) and took place at the NEC in Birmingham, detailed how consumer demand for high-quality animal protein was rising, particularly where it is affordable and convenient.
Fair attendees heard how tightening animal welfare in the UK, alongside restrictive planning policies, had “throttled growth” and opened the door to imports that wouldn’t meet domestic standards.
It was also said that there was a “lack of agricultural knowledge” on a Government level, with speakers calling for a joined-up approach to departmental communication.
Avian influenza was highlighted as a significant threat. Noble Foods agriculture director Barney Kay said that Noble Foods has been working with Livetec Systems to help its farmers adopt more effective protection and added that it was about “ensuring we’re focusing on the right areas”.
Mark Gorton, managing director at Traditional Norfolk Poultry, said there was hope that a vaccine trial in turkeys would prove successful, enabling a roll-out across the poultry sector: “But it’s a worldwide problem not a UK problem, and it won’t be an overnight success.”
Many producers were keen to invest – but they need the confidence and cash flow do so, said Sam Drummond, director of poultry at Worcestershire-based EC Drummond: “It’s very hard to expand – planning permission is our biggest challenge.”
Another area of both challenge and opportunity is the food service and public procurement sector, said Gorton, who said commented that rather than serving Chinese chicken breasts in schools, buyers should instead be signposted to high-quality, local value cuts.
Pig sector expresses concern
In the pig sector, the mood was reportedly one of concern amid falling prices, oversupply and factory failures, with some producers served notice on their contracts. However, in the longer term, pig meat remains well-placed to meet consumer needs, speakers found.
Fabio Brancher, operations director at Pilgrim’s Europe, outlined how the processor is working to reduce the slaughter backlog, opening nine additional factories in March with the intention to ease pressure on the congested supply chain.
Concerns around African swine fever remained high within the sector, with processors and industry bodies continuing to strengthen contingency planning. Brancher told delegates that it was vital that the industry work together – including increased vigilance against illegal imports at UK borders.
Lizzie Wilson, chief executive at the National Pig Association, commented: “We are still waiting for the Government to provide a plan, but it still hasn’t.
“In the meantime, we’ve been carrying out simulation exercises with the whole supply chain and working through contingency plans if it happened tomorrow.”
