It's encouraging that the NFU is planning a demonstration outside the EU Commission's London offices on 20 January in protest at its failure to ensure full compliance with the conventional cage ban and the consequent threat of illegal eggs coming into our market after 1 January 2012.

But by all accounts grassroots producers are reluctant to actually join in the protest - at least that is the feedback from NFU regional offices. Given the noise that the egg sector has made on this issue over the past 12 months, it would be very disappointing if producers then failed to turn up when they have such a great opportunity to show what they really think about the issue. Remember - actions speak louder than words.

(For more information, contact NFU chief poultry adviser, Kelly Watson on kelly.watson@nfu.org.uk