2025 started with the challenges of AI (avian influenza) and, sadly, it is ending on the same note.
While the disease still causes devastation on farms, there have been positive steps taken.
The NFU has played an active role in progressing the work of the cross-government and poultry sector AI Vaccination Taskforce and we're pleased to see the exploration of an on-farm vaccination trial in turkeys listed as a key recommendation in the taskforce's report. This forms an important part of wider efforts to protect the national poultry flock.
As we look ahead to 2026, we will continue to work with our members and the taskforce in calling for pace in finding suitable longer-term solutions to this awful disease.
Clear board priorities
We have a clear set of board priorities that were shaped by our wider membership across the regions.
It won’t be surprising to know that these feature key areas such as access to labour, a revised planning system that allows for investment and growth, and advocation for both environmental and welfare-related credentials.
These are likely to remain key areas of focus in the year ahead and ultimately producer confidence must be at the heart of our strategy – otherwise, we are at risk of becoming a retracting sector.
On a positive note, we have seen improved returns this year for producers in both sectors.
“We remain committed to driving forward our work on fairness in the supply chain with an emphasis on us all being in this together – a true collaborative approach is needed, otherwise there will always be weak links in the chain.”
NFU Poultry Board Chair Will Raw
Challenges faced
This comes off the back of some very challenging times, however.
National laying hen numbers have continued to rise and for broilers we’ve seen the ‘race for space’ as the majority of retail moved to a lower stocking density.
This has resulted in a lot of shifting between producers and processors, something I think will continue into 2026 as the demand for quality British chicken continues to increase.
Collaborative approach
We remain committed to driving forward our work on fairness in the supply chain with an emphasis on us all being in this together – a true collaborative approach is needed, otherwise there will always be weak links in the chain.
In the 12 months ahead I’m looking forward to seeing the results from years of work come to fruition on this and hope to see meaningful progress on the government’s strategy to ensure we have all the right tools to meet national food security ambitions.
The national poultry board is up for election in the new year so keep your eyes peeled for the nomination process. Could you help to shape the poultry sector for years to come?
