Poultry industry considers Brexit priorities

The twenty-third of June was hailed as a new independence day for so-called Brexiteers. For those who supported our membership of the European Union, it was a disaster.

Whatever side of the argument, the months and years to follow present a huge headache for policymakers in untangling near half a century of ever closer integration with the Continent.

See also: Farmgate rises will need to fall heavily without Brexit deal

There will be business disruption, and investment will likely be stalled in the uncertainty that follows.

It is an unprecedented situation, according to NFU director general Terry Jones. “This is the first trade negotiation in history where we start with full and free access and work backwards from there.”

In early September, he chaired a meeting that included representatives from the farmers union, the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) and British Poultry Council (BPC).

The idea was to flesh out policy to take to government as it begins the process of withdrawal from the European Union.

Trade

The priorities for poultrymeat and eggs have their similarities, but in practice they are quite different.

With chicken, it is maintaining the market balance that unencumbered trade with Europe brings. And as part of the EU, there are trade agreements with third countries across the world that could have to be renegotiated after Brexit. 

This is the first trade negotiation in history where we start with full and free access and work backwards from there NFU director general Terry Jones

Maire Burnett, of the BPC, said that, despite being the fourth largest producer of poultrymeat in the EU, Britain is not self sufficient. Breast meat is imported while we send dark meat to Europe and beyond.

This trade makes up the balance of a bird’s value, and the ability to easily export poultrymeat was a vital requirement for her members – as was maintaining trade without disruption throughout the withdrawal negotiations.

Another consideration was the UK’s position as a leading producer of genetic poultry stock – 90% of which is currently exported.

Ms Burnett explained that over 100 countries had health certification agreements in place with the UK. Any disruption to this status could be hugely damaging to confidence.

“We need to be able to retain and use those certificates the day after we leave the EU – that is going to be a huge task for Defra.

“We are very concerned that will be some disruption to trade – that cannot be allowed to happen.”

Eggs

For the egg sector, protecting British farmers from imports produced more competitively as a result of lower welfare standards is the priority.

Mark Williams, BEIC chief executive, explained that the UK was a major producer of eggs within Europe.

But, like poultrymeat, it was only around 85% self-sufficient. The Netherlands is the biggest supplier, producing about 60% of the egg Britain imports.

“The Dutch have got a great interest in maintaining that relationship,” said Mr Williams.

While farmers supplying the retail sector could expect little immediate disruption, there were “real concerns” about the egg products industry.

He explained the sale of agricultural products to British consumers made a great bargaining chip in trade deals with countries we wished to sell services, such as banking, to.

“Are they going to be produced to our standards? It’s our job to ensure the government is held to account on that.”

Mr Williams warned that any impact on the egg product market would ultimately have a knock on effect for the shell market.

Disease

Another major concern is disease control measures.

“As part of the EU, when there is an outbreak of AI – and we’ve seen four in the past two years – trade with the EU has continued without any disruption,” said Ms Burnett. “Will that continue post Brexit? We’re not sure.”

Sticking points

• Some 90% of the high-value genetic poultry stock produced in the UK is exported to Europe and third countries
• All commercial layers on the island of Ireland are hatched in the UK
• It is unclear how smooth trade following avian influenza – with Europe and third countries – will be after leaving Europe

Survey

Some 70 industry representatives attended the NFU’s Brexit meeting. Delegates were given the opportunity to participate in a live survey, with the headline results revealing some priorities.

• When asked for the top priority for any future trading agreement with the EU or rest of the world, an overwhelming majority said protecting UK production was top of the list.
• About 60% agreed that the end of free movement of labour across the EU would have a negative impact on their business.
• When asked about public support, the preference was for measures that improve competition. The most popular examples were marketing support, knowledge exchange, and securing farm modernisation.

Meat trade stats (2015 data)

• Fourth largest EU producer
• Important producer of genetic material, 90% of which is exported
• Non-EU meat exports worth £56m
• Genetic material exports valued at £178m

BEIC priorities

• For a properly funded government to recognise the importance of the UK egg industry and the investment made in standards
• A regulatory framework that balances competitiveness with consumer expectations without undue “gold plating”
• Tariff-free access to the EU single market
• Ensuring trade of genetic and spent hen meat is allowed to continue
• Access to migrant labour to ensure packing centres, farms and processing plants continue to work efficiently
• Continued funding towards the control and eradication of avian influenza

BPC priorities

• Government departments must be resourced to negotiate new trade deals
• No disruption of existing trade following EU exit
• Early revision of export health certificates to remove reference to EU legislation to ensure continuation of trade