NEWS

Consumers will dictate broiler welfare conditions
By Staff Reporter

THE Ulster Farmers’ Union says poultry welfare conditions on farms in Northern Ireland will be determined by consumer and supermarket demand. The UFU comments follow the RSPCA’s calls for the UK to maintain higher poultry welfare standards than the rest of the EU.

UFU Deputy President Harry Sinclair said; “Animal welfare is a very important issue for farmers. In the poultry industry in Northern Ireland we operate voluntary standards in broiler houses which are much better than the minimum space per bird allowances required by law. Our farmers are dedicated to providing quality fresh local produce.

"However relentless consumer / supermarket demand for value for money means the industry is always under pressure to maximise output and efficiency. If consumers want even higher standards of animal welfare on poultry farms the industry will be able to respond, but inevitably costs will rise and that will have to be passed on to the consumer.

"Farmers will respond to market signals but we have to ask the public to think carefully about this issue; the demand for cheap produce is not compatible with the demand for higher welfare standards."

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