Minister Michelle Gildernew has met with a small group of Fermanagh-based poultry producers to discuss new EU poultry meat legislation.

The EU-driven legislation, which extends the scope of the poultry meat marketing legislation to include poultry meat preparations, is due to come into effect from 1 May 2010. The Minister met with the small group of Fermanagh-based poultry producers to listen to their concerns about the changes they felt that they would have to make to their poultry houses as a result of the legislation.

Following the meeting, the Minister said: "I was keen to hear directly the concerns of poultry growers on the ground and discuss the challenges that they face within their poultry farm businesses.

"From the outset, I have been in favour of this legislation, which is part of an EU drive to improve consumer information. However, I also recognised that it would cause initial disruption to local producers, and that is why I had requested that the Commission consider a 12-month delay is bringing it in – to allow for preparation. The Commission did not allow for this and the new legislation takes effect in May this year across Europe."

The Minister added: "I have asked my officials to look at the financial support currently available to the poultry industry and will carefully consider any recommendations."