The General Assembly of AVEC, the association representing the poultry meat industry in the EU, took place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 29 September to 2 October 2016.

President Paul Lopez presented the annual report of the association for the years 2015-2016, and focused on the advantages of poultry compared to other meat sectors. The shorter production cycle, the integration of the supply chain plus affordability and convenience make the sector more adapted to the need of the consumers. The poultry sector also has a low input on taxpayers because of this market orientation.

Mr Lopez pointed out that while export volumes leaving the EU are higher than import volumes, the value of imported chicken outweighs export value, due to imports of high-value breast meat from Thailand and Brazil. Twenty-five per cent of breast meat consumed in the EU is imported from third countries, Mr Lopez said. He emphasised the need to have a level playing field applying equal standards all along supply chains.

AVEC suggests the EU should combat measures taken in South Africa to limit EU poultry exports, and pressure the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to change rules on low pathogenic avian influenza so outbreaks cannot be used as a trade barrier by third countries.

Also at the conference, AVEC reaffirmed its full commitment to supporting a responsible use of veterinary medicines such as antibiotics, and tackling Campylobacter without the use of extra chemical substances.

President Lopez concluded his speech by saying the EU should reintroduce PAPs (Processed Animal Protein) in feed to improve the environmental impact of the sector and limit the dependence on feed imports from third countries.