MPs visited Noble Foods’ packing centre as part of a visit organised by the NFU and the BEIC (British Egg Industry Council).
The visit offered an insight into how one of the nation’s staple proteins is packed, graded and distributed, and how the business is using renewable energy across its operations.
The visit began with introductions from Noble Foods Managing Director Liam Burke and NFU National Poultry Board Chair Will Raw, followed by a tour of the packing area and distribution site.
MPs learned how eggs are processed and graded and heard directly from industry representatives about the key issues facing the egg and poultry sectors, including avian influenza, planning permission issues, supply chain pressures and trade related concerns.
Outlining challenges
Speaking after the visit, NFU Poultry Board Chair Will Raw said: “It was a pleasure to take part in the Farming Fellowship visit hosting MP's at the start of this year's programme at Noble Foods' egg packing centre.
“We were able to demonstrate all the positive aspects of poultry farming and talk one-on-one with the MPs. I also used the opportunity to outline the challenges both poultry meat and egg producers are facing and highlight ways in which MPs can help support our fantastic sector.
“I look forward to working with them all as they progress through the Fellowship scheme and beyond."
Read more about the scheme in action:
MPs enrol on NFU’s Fellowship Scheme to champion British food and farming
Food and farming champion MPs see poultry innovation in action
Showcasing sustainability to the NFU’s Food and Farming Fellowship MPs
MPs muck in on fellowship farm visit to Barfoots
NFU Fellowship Scheme MPs see how farmers are supporting communities
Pride in maintaining high standards
BEIC Chief Executive Nick Allen Nick Allen said: “Through British Lion Standards we have some of the highest food safety standards anywhere in the world, which is why consumers trust – and actively look for – the British Lion mark on eggs. We encourage more MPs to undertake visits like this to better understand the effort that goes into every pack of British Lion eggs, and to listen to our concerns about the current government’s trade policies.”
Noble Foods Managing Director Liam Burke said: “We were pleased to welcome MPs to our packing centre and to represent the egg industry as part of a wide ranging and constructive discussion. Visits like this help bring to life the care and attention that goes into every egg we handle - from our producers through to the end product - as well as the strength of the teams across the supply chain who make it all possible.
“I hope the visit offered a clear sense of the quality of our facilities, but also the pride shared by British producers, packers and retailers in maintaining the highest standards, particularly at a time when the industry is navigating significant challenges around avian influenza, planning and trade. That collective commitment is what ensures safe, high quality eggs continue to help feed the nation.”
