Free-range producers in appeal to EU Commission

The producers of freerange egg and poultry meat are appealing to EU decision-makers to let them keep their freerange status despite having to keep their livestock indoors to avoid bird flu.

The current rules allow poultry meat and eggs to be called freerange for up to 12 weeks if a compulsory housing order is in place.

Producers fear that if the current order is extended they will lose their status and market premium after February 28.

The UK farming union presidents are to hold urgent discussions in Europe where they will urge commission officials to extend the status of poultry impacted by the housing order until the risk from avian influenza subsides.

In a joint statement the presidents said: “With this outbreak of avian influenza, we’re in uncharted territory and this situation requires new measures that will help to solve the concerns of producers.

“Farmers across the UK and Europe need this extension to give them certainty that their produce will have a market.”

Half the UK national flock is free-range which is the highest percentage of any member state.