NFU urges price increase for poultry producers - UK - Following the ban on Thai chicken imports, there is increasing pressure on UK farmers to supply more quality assured poultry meat at a time when prices are below the cost of production.

Poultry farmers’ margins are being squeezed with high feed costs due to the doubling of grain prices over the past year (£55 to £110).

For many poultry producers, it is standard in the chicken industry to have feed prices governed by the processor, with those rearing chicken for an integrated supply chain having feed, chick and live weight prices also set.

Chairman of the NFU Poultry Board Charles Bourns said: “We have asked the main retailers to explore the opportunity of minimizing the impact of future input price changes such as feed and chick price.

“We would also ask retailers to source ‘little red tractor’ marked assured chicken. Consumers can then be certain that they are buying British, buying quality, and buying from farmers producing to high standards.

“The NFU is continuing its discussions with the major retailers and encouraging them to urge their suppliers to increase the price paid to poultry producers in response to the escalation in feed prices.”

“We would call on all other retailers and processors to do the same to ensure a free-flowing supply of top quality, assured British chicken.”

Source: National Farmers Union - 28th January 2004