Reacting to the last week’s Budget, BPC Chairman, John Reed, said: “The Government’s continued emphasis on supporting regional economic growth is welcome. Poultry farming is an integral and long-standing part of rural business, providing employment to local people and we want to see our communities grow and prosper. This requires government support, not least in ensuring a planning system which is swift, stable and pro–growth.

“The Chancellor’s pledge to kick–start a sector–based review of regulation among small businesses in food manufacturing is recognition of the importance of the sector and the challenges it faces. Following this initiative and the recent review of farming regulation, we are waiting for government action that reinforces the contribution British poultry producers are making to feeding the nation.”