The Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in European Union countries met for the 65th AVEC General Assembly in Gdansk, Poland on 8th September, according to a recent press release from the organisation. This year, the event, which was organised by the National Poultry Council Chamber of Commerce, was attended by more than 150 people from the European poultry sector ahead of a crucial period for the sector with the upcoming legislative proposal for animal welfare and 2024 European Elections.

This central theme to this year’s summit was how the poultry sector can better engage with the public and policymakers and reconnect with EU citizens on animal welfare. The need to better communicate and promote the work of the European poultry meat sector was the clear conclusion of the summit.

AVEC encouraged all members to continue communicating fact-based information on digital platforms and through events and conferences to ensure that the poultry industry voice continues to be heard.

Janusz Wojciechowski, EU commissioner for agriculture, was invited to provide an update from the European Commission and most importantly to listen to the concerns the European poultry sector is facing. 

The upcoming legislative proposal on animal welfare, the declining competitiveness of the European poultry sector due to the rising feed and energy prices and the unlimited imports of poultry meat from Ukraine putting pressure on the rest of the European Poultry sector were amongst the key topics discussed. The participants, reminded Wojciechowski that it is not fair nor healthy for the sector to take such large share of the collective burden, whilst underlining their continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

“We should listen to the European poultry meat sector and the voice of AVEC," said Wojciechowski. "The voice of a very important sector that is crucial for our food system. We must take into account the concerns that have been expressed during the General Assembly in Gdansk in future debates."

AVEC also published its annual report, which provided insight into the organisations priorities. 

“Despite the dark clouds in the sky, the poultry sector is a high-performing, progressive and sustainable sector which contributes significantly to a balanced and healthy diet for both Europe and the rest of the world," said Birthe Steenberg. "Let’s continue being role models and promote sustainable, healthy and affordable food. We are part of the solution."

Image: (L-R) President of AVEC Gert-Jan Oplaat, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski, and Magnus Swalander, president of EPB