Council received an update on key developments across the poultry sector since the last meeting, beginning with three areas of positive progress before turning to ongoing concerns around the SPS agreement and early work on the Poultry Sector Growth Plan.
Low risk does not mean no risk
The first update focused on the lifting of the GB-wide AIPZ (Avian Influenza Prevention Zone) on 4 June 2026.
Members heard that risk levels for both wild birds and poultry are now assessed as low, although it was emphasised that low risk does not mean no risk. All poultry keepers, regardless of flock size or type, should continue to maintain stringent biosecurity, and members were reminded that detailed guidance remains available on the NFU’s AI Hub.
AI vaccination trial update
I also updated Council on the AI vaccination trial in turkeys in England, which is now around halfway through.
The NFU continues to be an active stakeholder in this substantial programme of work, which demonstrates a strong collaborative approach between government and the sector.
Engagement with trading partners is ongoing to minimise any potential impacts for exporters, and the AI Vaccination Taskforce is expected to publish its next report later this year.
Over the coming months, the NFU will fully explore the potential for changes to UK vaccination policy to ensure members have all available tools to protect their flocks.
“The NFU has raised these issues at every level of government and recently submitted further evidence.”
NFU Poultry Board Chair Will Raw on the SPS agreement and the future of organic poultry production
NFU helps shape pathway for poultry
Council then received an update on the launch of biosecurity reviews under the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, which opened on 2 June.
NFU representatives have been involved in this work for well over a year, including during periods when government funding was uncertain and the sector was left to consider options for self-delivery. The Secretary of State confirmed funding at NFU Conference, and the new offer is now live.
I was pleased to highlight two significant NFU wins: the inclusion of turkeys, ducks and geese – strongly supported by the NFU Seasonal Poultry Group – and a simple, user-friendly application process.
Early member feedback has been positive, and uptake will be closely monitored, particularly in relation to the new thresholds of 1,000 birds for layers and broilers and 500 birds for turkeys, ducks or geese. Members were encouraged to share feedback via the NFU’s online page.
“The ambition is to draft the [Poultry Sector Growth Plan] within six months, identifying market opportunities and addressing barriers such as planning and trade.”
NFU Poultry Board Chair Will Raw on the Poultry Sector Growth Plan timeline
#LoveBritishChicken
Council also heard about the successful launch of the Love British Chicken campaign, which ran from 25–31 May. The inaugural campaign reached more than one million people and highlighted the high standards of British poultry production at a time of increased imports produced to standards that would be illegal in the UK.
The campaign engaged new audiences through social media and secured strong backing from retailers and processors, including Morrisons and Cranswick, who applied the campaign logo to half a million packs of fresh British chicken.
This marks the start of a sustained promotional effort, with further content being developed by a subgroup of National Poultry Board members.
Future of organic poultry production
A key area of concern discussed was the SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) agreement and the future of organic poultry production.
Members were briefed on the importance of maintaining two critical derogations: the use of non-organic pullets up to 18 weeks and the allowance of up to 5% non-organic protein feed. Both derogations are essential to the viability and welfare of organic systems in GB, where no fully organic pullet-rearing facilities exist.
The risk of losing these derogations through dynamic alignment with EU rules was highlighted, alongside concerns about potential changes to disease control zone requirements. The NFU has raised these issues at every level of government and recently submitted further evidence. Member case studies will be vital in demonstrating the real-world impacts.
Poultry Sector Growth Plan
Finally, Council received an early update on the Poultry Sector Growth Plan, commissioned by the Farming and Food Partnership Board to drive long-term improvements in productivity, profitability and food security.
A group comprising of the NFU, BPC (British Poultry Council), BEIC (British Egg Industry Council), BFREPA (British Fee Range Egg Producers Association), AIMS (Association of Independent Meat Suppliers) and Defra has begun work, with the first workshop held earlier this month.
The plan will focus on broilers, ducks, turkeys and eggs, taking a whole-system view across the supply chain.
The ambition is to draft the plan within six months, identifying market opportunities and addressing barriers such as planning and trade.
A member survey will be launched in the coming weeks and Council members were asked to encourage poultry producers, particularly those on regional poultry boards, to contribute.
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