Industry hits back after poll by RSPCA

Mar 5 2008 by Tom Patterson, The Journal

FARMERS have responded to a poll by the RSPCA which says 73% of shoppers are buying chicken raised with higher welfare standards after watching recent television programmes by celebrity chefs.

But poultry industry leaders say buying British should also be top of consumers’ shopping list.

Buying trends show a divide, with the better-off opting to buy free range and organic chicken, while people on lower incomes continue to rely on cheap chicken and eggs.

But the increase in demand for better welfare is forcing retail buyers abroad, said NFU poultry board chairman Charles Bourns.

He believes the industry was already reacting to consumer demand for higher welfare before the programmes by Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

He said: “It is important for farmers, consumers and the economy to support a thriving British poultry industry and I welcome people taking an interest in how their food is produced.

“That, after all, is what the NFU’s ‘Why Farming Matters’ campaign has been all about. But producers need to have profitable prices at the farm gate to be able to react to these changes in the marketplace

“All poultry farmed in the UK, no matter what production system is used, is world-leading.

“The welfare of birds is down to good stockmanship and UK farmers pride themselves in being the best.”

NFU chief poultry adviser Robert Newbery said: “The majority of the market is still for low cost, efficiently produced, healthy chicken meat and eggs; this is still a very cost sensitive market place.

“According to our cost of production research, NFU members are losing around 2.5p for every chicken produced.

“It’s a brave business that invests hundreds of thousands of pounds in that kind of market place.

“Recent Defra research tells us that of consumers surveyed, 82% said they make a point of buying British, closely followed by 77% who like to buy free range eggs, and 57% free range meat.

“It would be a real shame if this accelerated demand continues to drive retail buyers abroad for supply”.