‘Building resilience in a commodity world’ will be the theme of the upcoming British Free Range Egg Producers’ Association (BFREPA) Conference, which returns as an in-person event on September 29.
The UK’s egg producers will come together at NEC Birmingham for tools and advice that will help them stay resilient and successful at a time when they face pressures from overwhelming rises in production costs.
The theme will tackle a range of issues facing free-range egg producers and the current challenges in the market.
The government’s chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss will share her vision for resilient biosecurity as the industry emerges from the worst AI outbreak yet.
A suite of guest speakers, including Mark Thomas from Farming Community Network (FCN), Toby Rush from Fram Farmers alongside producer Andrew Knowles, and Carlos Saviani from DSM will cover pressing topics such as looking after mental health in farming, producing food more sustainably, and saving on feed costs.
The conference, organised in partnership with ForFarmers, is the largest livestock conference of its type in the UK and typically attracts hundreds of farmers and delegates from across the industry.
Robert Gooch, BFREPA chief executive, said: “UK free-range and organic egg producers are facing a multitude of pressures from huge rises in production costs and unsustainable prices from the market. Frustratingly, our calls for a much-needed price rise of at least 40p per dozen from retailers have fallen on deaf ears, all while facing the worst AI outbreak we have ever experienced.
“Many members are considering their future in the sector so this year’s conference is about bringing producers together, hearing their stories, and encouraging conversations about how to overcome these hurdles and stay resilient during what continues to be a challenging time for egg producers.”
A number of free-range egg businesses will be exhibiting their latest products and innovations throughout the day, alongside judging of the ‘Egg Quality Competition’.
As well as an exhibition of new innovations from the free-range poultry sector, BFREPA is holding its Free Range Egg Awards to recognise individuals in the industry who are doing a great job. The Gala Awards dinner, sponsored by Elanco, Noble Foods, Newquip & DSM, in association with the Pullet Hatcheries & Breeders Association, will take place on the evening of September 28.
Conference tickets cost £24 incl VAT and can be booked here.