The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has reported that its poultry producers are becoming increasingly concerned regarding the financial pressures that the industry is being subjected to.
UFU president Victor Chestnutt said: “Our poultry producers across Northern Ireland are on edge about soaring energy and feed prises that are putting the cost of production through the roof. We understand that processors have been engaging with retailers to ensure that these costs are passed up the supply chain and we’re fully supportive of these discussions. Poultry producers should not have to bear the brunt of skyrocketing increases alone when working to produce high-quality produce for consumers.
“We encourage all retailers and consumers to be mindful of the skyrocketing production costs that are being forced upon our members. They take pride in producing food to world-leading standards for the public to enjoy but during this extremely difficult period they need to be supported to ensure they can continue feeding the nation.
“The stark reality is, to ensure a continued supply of food in our shops a fair margin must be attainable for farmers, but at this stage, that is not the case for all of our members.”