Nov 23rd, 2022
3 mins
With the severe disruption in the egg supply chain, the National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling for an investigation by Defra to see if an “exceptional market conditions” declaration should be made under the Agriculture Act 2020.
The declaration under section 20 of the Act would enable Defra to use its statutory powers to provide the much needed support to egg producers, whose livelihoods are under threat.
Supermarket shelves are not as full as they used to be and this is down to a combination of rising production costs and the avian flu crisis. Some retailers are importing eggs to fill the gaps, whilst others are rationing customers to try to manage their supply issues.
NFU President Minette Batters said: “there are a huge range of issues facing the poultry sector, in particular within the egg supply chain, which have built up over months and which we have been warning of for some time. Energy price inflation and supply chain disruption have added to the worst outbreak in Avian Influenza yet. However, these pressures alone cannot explain empty shelves”.
Batters continued, “It is critical that Defra acts now to investigate the issues in the egg supply chain so that any declaration under section 20 can be made as soon possible. Poultry and egg producers must have the confidence they need, working within a fair and transparent supply chain, with fair returns for farmers, so they can do what they do best; meet demand for shoppers for quality British eggs and poultry meat”.
