Two-thirds of egg men expect to go
17 December 1999
Two-thirds of egg men expect to go
By FWi staff
NEARLY two-thirds of British egg producers believe they will stop producing eggs within the next decade – largely because of competition from imports and the cost of meeting a new EU Directive.
A survey of egg producers by the NFU has revealed that confidence is at an all-time low and leads the union to conclude that British eggs could disappear from the retail shelves over the coming years.
They are unable to make the huge investment needed to meet the new EU Directive, decade which sets new standards for cage, free range and barn egg systems.
The NFU estimates the industry, which is already being rocked by low incomes, will have to spend as much as £550 million to alter poultry housing because of the new rules which come into force from 2002.
The chief concerns expressed by producers in the survey are:
- That cheaper eggs produced to lower animal welfare standards will flood into the EU without restriction;
- That the rules will not be implemented fairly across Europe;
- Overcoming planning restrictions to meet the Directive.
The British market will be particularly vulnerable to imports of egg products used in processing.
NFU Deputy President Tim Bennett said: “It is crucial that our egg industry doesnt grind to a standstill as producers, through no fault of their own, find themselves in a complete no-win situation.
“In particular, the NFU is pressing for animal welfare standards to be included in the WTO talks, for assurances that other EU member states will comply fully with the Directive, and for local planning authorities to recognise the essential work that egg producers will have to carry out in the coming years.”