The shadow food and farming minister Daniel Zeichner MP has presented members of the poultry industry with awards at an annual event hosted by the British Poultry Council (BPC) at the House of Commons.
British Poultry Council chair, Martin Troop, and the shadow minister were joined by farmers, producers, and other key stakeholders to celebrate commitment, innovation and excellence in the poultry industry.
The BPC Annual Awards recognise long and distinguished careers, contributions to research, potential for future excellence and individuals who have supported and made significant contributions to the British poultry meat industry.
Troop told attendees: “Everyone here goes to work to do a good job, providing something good for the country and making a difference with safe, affordable, and nutritious food. It’s our people, alone and together, who make a difference, and it is these people we are all here to recognise today.”
Daniel Zeichner MP said: “Feeding the nation is a matter of national security…it’s been well-noted across the political spectrum just how well your people have stepped up and have kept the country fed.”
Troop added: “We all know the context of recent years and the costs and burdens incurred but let us not wilfully add to those. We know where we want to be – trusted and valued sustainable food producers. We even know what the steppingstones are to get there, outlined in BPC’s report ‘2024 & Beyond’…we are looking for the support of our Government.”
In its latest report, ‘2024 and Beyond,’ the British Poultry Council charts the course towards developing a new and healthy context for British food production, outlining the steps that must be taken to safeguard the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food, prioritise the viability of poultry meat businesses and secure the robustness of our supply chains into the future.
“The cost of living is hitting businesses and people who are simply trying to go to work and do a good job,” added Troop. “The people in this room work hard to feed the nation…there are many positives and benefits to be had, but only if we – Government and industry – can work together.”
Awards were presented to:
Mid Career – Chris Chater (Hook2Sisters)
Mid Career – Adrian Gavin (Moy Park)
Mid Career – David MacArthur (Avara Foods)
Mid Career – Anne Richmond (Moy Park)
Marketing Award – Paddy Dallat (Moy Park)
Special Distinguished Service – James Hook (PD Hook)
Distinguished Service – Evelyn Edwards (Hook2Sisters)
Distinguished Service – Mark Elder (Moy Park)
Distinguished Service – Debbie Foster (Avara Foods)
Distinguished Service – Peter Morgan (Moy Park)
Distinguished Service – Helen Sisson (2 Sisters Food Group)