Charles Bourns

Mr Bourns was speaking after being re-elected as chairman of the NFU Poultry Board.

A Gloucester poultry farmer himself, he will serve for two years - aiming to continue his work raising the profile of the industry.

He said: "The British poultry industry is one of the best in the world, working to some of the highest welfare standards and constantly adapting to produce what the consumer wants. The industry has a lot to be proud of and I will be doing my best to make sure we get that message across to consumers and the media.

"I will also continue to highlight the fact margins on both table chicken and egg production are being squeezed by a combination of soaring costs and government legislation, to the point where the future of the British poultry industry is being put at risk, and work to ensure that producers earn a fair and sustainable reward for their produce."