Consumer issues to the fore at poultry event

Stakeholders in the British pig and poultry industries will be able to tackle some of the key challenges facing the sectors when results of an exclusive consumer focus exercise are revealed at Pig & Poultry LIVE 2011 on 11 May.

Filming from the focus group will be shown during the headline debate at the event, which is organised by The Royal Agricultural Society of England and feed supplier ABN, in association with Poultry World.

The consumers were brought together at Stoneleigh Park and quizzed about their current shopping preferences, what they thought animals were fed on and, more specifically, their views on genetic modification and meat-and-bonemeal.

Then, following short presentations on these subjects, the consumers were asked some of the original questions again to see if their opinions had changed.

“The day certainly delivered some surprises, as well as messages and ideas which we look forward to sharing at Pig & Poultry Live,” said the RASE’s Kate Rider. “It was very clear that the group was open and receptive to information from the presentations. Indeed, some of the views expressed during the summing up will give encouragement to British pig and poultry producers.”

The morning debate will be chaired by BBC farming correspondent Adam Henson, supported by an influential panel of speakers. “There will be plenty of opportunity to have your say, with live voting technology,” said Ms Rider. “The industry will also be challenged by consumer behaviour expert Philip Graves,” she said.

Following a networking lunch, with more than 60 industry exhibitors on hand, delegates will then have the chance to select from a range of technical and business workshops.

The day will conclude with a wrap-up session, explaining what the industry should do next to encourage people to buy British.