Mr Burgess is a strong advocate of regional food production and was named Farmers Weekly Poultry Farmer of the year in 2006, along with the title of Ceredigion food producer of the year.

Initially starting out in cage egg production before converting entirely to free range eggs, Mr Burgess and his wife have been involved in the egg industry in Wales for nearly 30 years.

Mr Burgess said: "Here in Wales we are fortunate to have a NFU Cymru who represents us in Welsh Assembly, Westminster and Brussels, in addition they identifying consumers needs, without which none of us would be here.

"We are currently in a consumer led industry and I'd urge Welsh poultry producers to take full advantage of the marketing and selling opportunities for our regionally produced food. Consumers are becoming ever increasingly aware of food production and as such are more discerning and discriminating and more importantly are prepared to pay more for food that matches their criteria."

Over the next year, Mr Burgess hopes to visit and listen to NFU Cymru members throughout Wales, to gain an insight into all aspects of the poultry process.