Labour concerns for the poultry industry, in the light of the UK’s Brexit decision, formed the core of the annual meeting address given by newly re-elected British Poultry Council (BPC) chairman, John Reed.
“British poultry meat producers feed the nation, and will continue to do so,” said Mr Reed, beginning his fourth term of office. “I am delighted to have been asked to continue as BPC chairman and look forward to helping steer a great sector through the challenging times surrounding Brexit.”
Pointing out that the UK is a trading nation which imports and exports poultry meat and breeding stock to and from countries around the world, he called on the government to recognise the contribution that food production makes to this country, and how important trade is to a healthy British poultry meat industry.
“The British poultry meat sector is also a significant employer, and is concerned over the impact of Brexit on the movement of labour,” he said, adding that there are many employment opportunities in the poultry meat sector and that British labour on its own is not enough.
“People are the life-blood of the sector, and continued movement of quality labour between Europe and the UK is crucial. I have been lucky to have a long and happy career in the British poultry meat sector and I want others to have that opportunity in the future.”
