The chief executive of the British Poultry Council (BPC) has urged the Prime Minister to keep up momentum to deal with the problems facing the industry after attending the first ever Farm to Fork Summit at Downing Street.
A new package of measures unveiled on 16 May supporting British farmers and producers “must invoke real and tangible change,” said Richard Griffiths, following the meeting. The summit brought together people from the British food and farming sectors to discuss how the industry and government can work together to improve productivity, growth, and guarantee fair and resilient supply chains.
“We welcome Government re-engaging with food issues at a time it matters more than ever,” said Griffiths. “It is positive that we see recognition of the world-class production standards our members operate to, combined with a focus on overcoming trade barriers. This is a good starting point to be working from.
In recent weeks BPC has highlighted how rising production costs poses a risk to our national food security. “Today’s commitments must lead to real tangible change, where ‘food security’ translates into meaningful objectives that support British poultry meat producers in ensuring safe, affordable, nutritious, low impact food. Today has been a crucial first step towards building effective solutions with industry colleagues to prioritise a sustainable food system for all. We must now ensure that this doesn’t pivot into a sidestep around the big issues we are waiting for more detail on.”