The British Egg Industry Council has launched a manifesto ahead of the general election, calling on a future UK government to help deliver the support the British egg industry needs for a sustainable future, according to a press release from the British Free Range Egg Producers Association. 

The world-renowned British Lion Code of Practice is the UK’s most successful food safety scheme, representing a significant success story for British farming and accounting for around 95% of British egg production. The BEIC operates independently from Government support / subsidies.

“The British egg industry is one of British farming’s great success stories, providing consumers with a natural, healthy, ‘super food’ at an affordable price, which is always of vital importance, but particularly during a cost of living crisis," said Gary Ford, British Egg Industry Council chief executive. “Following a number of challenging years for the industry, managing increased supply chain costs and the impact of avian influenza, as well as the rising threat of imports, it is absolutely essential that the next UK Government puts the conditions in place to ensure the industry is able to operate sustainably for years to come.”

The BEIC’s key manifesto asks are:

International Trade
A ban on the import of eggs and egg products from systems of production that are prohibited in the UK.

To recognise in future trade deals our higher costs of production due to legislation on food safety, animal welfare and the environment, and provide appropriate protection against lower standard imports.

Environment
Stronger collaboration between Government and industry to develop evidence-based solutions and the continued inclusion of the British egg industry in future grant funding, such as manure stores.

Workforce
Place key workers for the laying hen sector on the Skilled Worker visa: immigration salary list, and remove the Government cap on worker numbers.

Biosecurity
Ensure there are sufficient resources available through the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) to help deal with future notifiable avian disease outbreaks and to bring compensation in line with other livestock species.

Planning
Meet the needs of the UK production base whilst protecting the environment through reform of the planning system, to enable the sector to grow and meet consumer demand.

Public Procurement
Promote British ingredients within food products, and across the public sector, through procurement in our schools, hospitals, and many other public institutions.

The full manifesto can be viewed here.