17.04.2012

The Welfare of Laying Hens Directive remained top of the agenda when poultry board vice chairman Duncan Priestner made his report to NFU council today.
The Commission had estimated 2.5% drop in egg production across the EU 2012 due to a cut-back in chick placings following a period of over supply. However, the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive has had a much biggest impact, with total EU production estimated to be down by 10-15%, with a 20% drop in Spanish production, he said.
As a result wholesale rates have increased substantially, ending 18 months of “horrendous” prices. However, Mr Priestner noted that demand has slackened in recent weeks and the free-range sector continued to have a “tough time”, picking up only small gains on the back of the wholesale market.
The vice chairman added that free range sales were still suffering from over-supply and with reports of many new free range units being built, he said that managing that, while supporting those in the sector, would be a challenge for the board going forwards.
Another area of concern was the year-round turkey market, which had “disappeared”.