Gildernew meets Fermanagh poultry producers

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has met with a small group of Fermanagh-based poultry producers to discuss new EU Poultrymeat Legislation.

The EU driven legislation, which extends the scope of the poultrymeat marketing legislation to include poultrymeat preparations, is due to come into effect from 1 May 2010. The Minister met with the small group of Fermanagh based poultry producers to listen to their concerns about the changes they felt that they would have to make to their poultry houses as a result of the legislation.

Following the meeting, the Minister said: “I was keen to hear directly the concerns of poultry growers on the ground and discuss the challenges that they face within their poultry farm businesses.

“From the outset, I have been in favour of this legislation, which is part of an EU drive to improve consumer information. However, I also recognised that it would cause initial disruption to local producers, and that is why I had requested that the Commission consider a 12 month delay is bringing it in – to allow for preparation. The Commission did not allow for this and the new legislation takes effect in May this year across Europe.”

The Minister added: “I have asked my officials to look at the financial support currently available to the poultry industry and will carefully consider any recommendations.”

Notes to editors:

1. At the European Commission Agriculture Council of Ministers meeting on 19 October 2009 the proposal to extend poultry meat marketing standards to poultry meat preparation was adopted by a qualified majority. The legislation comes into effect on 1 May 2010.
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