Neil Parish MP Hosts Eggs, Pigs and Poultry breakfast meeting

Neil Parish MP, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Eggs, Pigs and Poultry hosted a breakfast meeting in Parliament to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the food and farming industry, and particular the eggs, pig and poultry sectors.

The breakfast meeting, which took place in Parliament on Tuesday 4th March, saw over a dozen cross-party MPs and Peers attend along with representatives from the British Egg Industry Council, the National Pig Association, the British Poultry Council and the National Farmers Union.

The Members of Parliament discussed with industry experts issues such as planning the planning system and its effect on building new farming units, antibiotics resistance in livestock farming and the welfare of poultry and pigs across Europe.

Tiverton and Honiton MP Neil Parish said:

“The egg, pig and poultry sectors contribute billions of pounds into our national economy, particular in our rural areas, and provide over 100,000 jobs whilst not receiving any direct subsidy from the Common Agricultural Policy. It is important that Parliamentarians are aware of the challenges facing these sectors and are able to speak to industry experts on farming issues that affect not only their constituents but also our food security and economic growth."

“That is why I am delighted that the Group is conducting an inquiry into the rules on planning, antibiotics and welfare. We have received written evidence from nearly twenty organisations representing the egg, pig and poultry sectors as well as animal welfare and veterinary groups. I look forward to beginning the verbal evidence session later this year”.

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Eggs, Pigs & Poultry was established in July 2012. The group is a cross-party body for Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords with an interest in the egg, poultry meat and pork sectors. The group was established to raise issues of concern to the industries concerned. The group has the support of the National Pig Association, the British Poultry Council, the British Egg Industry Council and the National Farmers Union.