Poultry has been identified as a priority sector in England’s new land strategy, with the government confirming it will develop targeted plans to support its future growth.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) published its first Land Use Framework on 18 March, setting out what it calls “a plan for managing England’s finite land to ensure the nation’s long-term resilience.”
Within the framework document, poultry is singled out for future attention, with ministers committing to develop “sector growth plans, beginning with horticulture and poultry.” The move signals that poultry will be among the first farming sectors to receive more detailed policy focus under the new strategy.
Defra says the framework will make “a clear, long-term commitment to maintaining food production in England,” while helping farmers adapt to increasing pressures.
Defra says the plan showed “there is enough land to deliver the government’s objectives provided we use land more efficiently and for multiple benefits,” as it seeks to balance food production with housing, energy and environmental goals.
Although poultry is highlighted for future planning, the framework itself contains little sector-specific detail. Instead, it focuses on system-wide change, noting that “fragmented decision-making has led to inefficient land use” and setting out a more strategic approach to land management.
The government says the framework will “support food security and national resilience” and help farmers “future-proof their businesses” through improved data, incentives and planning.