New Rules for Free-Range Poultry in England: What You Need to Know

In a significant move for the poultry industry, the UK Government has announced changes to the marketing of free-range poultry meat in England. Here’s a breakdown of what the new regulations entail and why they matter:

What’s Changing?

The core of the new legislation is about maintaining the "free-range" label for poultry meat even during periods when birds are kept indoors due to mandatory housing orders, such as those imposed during outbreaks of avian influenza. Previously, poultry could only be marketed as free-range for up to 12 weeks under such restrictions. Beyond this period, they had to be labeled as indoor-reared. The new rules eliminate this 12-week limit, allowing producers to continue marketing their poultry as free-range for the entire duration of these housing mandates.

Why Now?

Recent avian influenza outbreaks have led to extended periods where poultry had to be kept indoors, surpassing the 12-week allowance. This change is crucial because it allows producers to avoid financial losses by maintaining the premium pricing associated with free-range products. The decision aligns with similar moves by the European Union, ensuring that English producers remain competitive in both domestic and European markets.

Impact on the Industry

The change is expected to benefit about 4% of domestic poultry producers who operate under free-range conditions, particularly those raising turkeys, ducks, and geese, which have longer production cycles compared to broiler chickens. By ensuring birds can still be labeled as free-range despite housing restrictions, producers can maintain their market position and avoid the costs associated with rebranding their products as indoor-reared.

What Producers Need to Know

• Continued Compliance: To use the free-range label, all other free-range criteria must still be met during housing mandates.
• Economic Benefits: By removing the 12-week cap, producers can potentially save an estimated £0.86 million annually.
• Market Stability: This change helps stabilize the free-range market, especially during peak times like the Christmas season when demand for such products is high.

What's Next?

While the regulation primarily affects businesses, it has been welcomed by the industry, with a majority supporting the removal of the 12-week restriction during consultations. Producers should stay informed about any further changes, particularly those that might arise from ongoing EU-UK negotiations regarding poultry marketing standards.

In summary, this regulatory update is a win for the free-range poultry industry in England, providing greater flexibility and economic stability in the face of disease-related challenges.