Mr Bourns said: “Our sector is market driven and highly efficient but we face significant challenges in the next few years, from animal health concerns to trade. We are also confronted with high input costs, especially feed costs which make up 60 per cent of poultry producers expenses and feed availability.

“On top of this, EU animal welfare rules and obligations increase our costs significantly – a cost which imports to the EU do not have to meet. We are committed to ensuring good welfare practices in the sector.

“Another priority will be to make sure we get a good deal for EU poultry producers in the upcoming free trade talks between the EU and US, especially on the sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS) and on rules to open markets, as the meat sector will be sensitive in these negotiations.

Mr Bourns also looks forward to working with his newly elected Vice-chairman Jean-Michel Schaeffer from France.

He wants to prepare the future of the sector and counts on young farmers like Mr Schaeffer to bring new energy and ideas to the group.

Speaking after the vote this week, Mr Schaeffer underlined the importance of having a strategic debate on the future of the sector in the long term in 2020.