BFREPA roadshows aim to resolve “dire situation farmers are facing”
13th January 2023
Taking place from January to March, the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) roadshows will address the ongoing crisis in the sector, discussing priority topics such as contract reform, production cost data, and avian influenza.
Robert Gooch, CEO of the BFREPA, said the aim of the meetings is to bring the industry together in a bid to find solutions to the “dire situation farmers are facing.”
“The turmoil experienced by the free range egg industry last year highlighted how important robust contracts and access to accurate data really are,” he said.
“An understanding of the costs of production is more essential than ever before, and should be the basis upon which new agreements with packers should be signed.
“We will be sharing our data and asking for feedback on how it can be improved to help farmers understand the risks and rewards.”
The BFREPA costings are compiled independently by ADAS and are increasingly being used by government, retailers and packers to monitor the egg supply chain and develop improved egg supply agreements.
Mr Gooch said ADAS will reveal how these monthly figures are calculated at the roadshows and conduct a discussion on how they can be improved.
“Additionally, I will update members on Defra’s informal review of contracts in the egg supply chain and recent progress on improving producer contracts,” the CEO said.
“With the launch of a ‘bed and breakfast’ contract from one packer and more looking at cost of production contracts, BFREPA would like to hear from members on their preferred types of egg supply agreements.”
The meeting will also discuss issues related to bird flu and over-stickering and the BFREPA encourages all egg producers to attend.
“Those egg producers who aren’t BFREPA members can find out more about the organisation and why they should consider joining – as an organisation, more members means an even stronger force for lobbying and industry support in the future,” Mr Gooch stressed.
The roadshows will take place up and down the country with locations including Diss, Ardingly, Exeter, Shrewsbury, Lincoln, Milnthorpe, Darlington, Llandindrod Wells, Lauder and Inverurie.
Meetings are open to both members and non-members, and can be booked online where dates are also available at www.bfrepa.co.uk/common/bfrepa-roadshow-2023.
