UK group of MPs addressing poultry farmer concerns
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), a cross-party group for UK MPs and members of the House of Lords who have an interest in the egg, pig and poultry sectors, is launching enquiries into planning, antibiotics and welfare amongst British farmers.
Launched in 2012, the group is supported by the NFU, the British Egg Industry Council, the British Poultry Council and the National Pig Association. MP Neil Parish, the chair of the group says the group will determine the views of farmers on various subjects to try to prevent the “gold plating” of EU legislation – or putting UK farmers at a competitive disadvantage.
“All three industries face significant challenges, including high feed prices and significant costs imposed by farm animal welfare, environmental and food safety regulations agreed at the EU level,” said Parish.
“While we support these, we are particularly keen to ensure the UK is not in any way disadvantaged by an uneven playing field compared with our EU partners or is burdening itself with ‘gold-plated’ legislation.”
It will hold a series of committee-style hearings this year looking specifically at the issues of planning, antibiotics and welfare. It is hoped these meetings will have a positive influence on decisions taken by DEFRA.
Source: Poultry World
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