Over 200 representatives from the Irish poultry and egg sector gathered in Monaghan today for Bord Bia's biennial Poultry and Egg Conference. Themed "Innovation Supporting Sustainability" , the conference brings together poultry growers, processors, egg producers and packers, and retailers. Delegates heard from industry experts on a wide range of topics, including consumer behaviour, market trends and ways to deliver sustainable growth in the sector.
Delivering his opening address, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle, T.D. said, "The poultry and egg sector remains an integral part of the Irish agri-food economy and it is possibly the most dynamic in terms of evolving and meeting the challenges it faces. Output at producer prices in 2015 amounted to €190 million and the value of poultry meat exports amounted to €320 million. On the back of increasing demand for poultry protein and low feed costs, the outlook for the sector is very positive for the remainder of 2016 and into next year."
He added, "My Department has a range of supports in place for the sector under our national €4bn Rural Development Programme including Knowledge Transfer Groups and TAMs funding. These will provide a key support to this sector in building its knowledge and skills base to underpin continued growth and competitiveness. I would encourage all eligible poultry producers to take advantage of the benefits this affords."
In keeping the conference theme, Bord Bia's Poultry Sector Manager, Peter Duggan briefed delegates on the upcoming sustainability additions to the Poultry and Egg Quality Assurance Scheme which are due to be rolled out in 2017 as part of Bord Bia's Origin Green sustainability programme. The scheme is currently being revised by representatives from Bord Bia, Teagasc, FSAI, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and industry. During his presentation, he referenced one study from the European Commission which shows that Ireland has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions in the EU for poultry meat, demonstrating the industry's sustainability credentials.
Ireland's Poultry and Egg Industry
The poultry sector supports around 6,000 jobs and there are some 370 producers involved in poultry meat production in Ireland. Retail sales of poultry meat in Ireland are valued at €275 million, showing an increase of over 10% on the previous year. Ireland exports 129,000 tonnes, with the UK market accounting for 70% of shipments, which mainly consists of processed product, while other key markets include France and the Netherlands. Rivalled only by pigmeat, poultry is the single largest category of meat consumed in Ireland, accounting for some 37% of meat consumption.
There are almost 240 producers involved in egg production in Ireland and over 3.3 million laying hens. The retail sales of eggs in Ireland are valued at €100 million with the average consumer eating 169 eggs a year. Most of the recent growth in egg consumption is in the younger demographic where there frequency of purchase continues to increase.
Bord Bia's Industry Promotion
Peter Duggan, Bord Bia's Poultry Sector Manager, also outlined Bord Bia's plans for marketing promotions under the Quality Mark. "With almost 96% of all poultry and egg producer members of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme, a strong and resilient home market is critically important for the success of the industry. The Bord Bia Egg Quality Assurance Scheme forms the benchmark for quality and safety in Irish eggs. A recent survey of Irish grocery shoppers by Red C illustrated that 80% of consumers say they would be more likely to buy eggs with the Quality Mark and 65% willing to pay 10% more for quality assured eggs. Since 2006, consumer awareness of Bord Bia's Quality Mark has grown from 62% to 91% this year. Bord Bia will continue to work with all members of the industry to promote Bord Bia Quality Assured poultry and egg products, and over the coming weeks will promote the vast range of Quality Mark produce to increase awareness and purchase frequency during the Christmas season."
Conference Overview
The key topics on the agenda included developments in the global poultry industry, changing trends in the UK and global egg marketplace, disease risk management, technology and data improving on farm efficiency and meeting environmental challenges. Speakers included representatives from Rabobank, Kantar, the British Egg Industry Council, Applied Poultry, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Bord Bia. In addition to the conference, commercial companies supplying the sector displayed their products in an exhibition area.
Agenda
Innovation Supporting Sustainability
Providing Future Growth Opportunities in a Challenging Environment
Wednesday November 9th, 2016
09.30 – 10.30 Registration and Sponsor Exhibits
10.30 – 10.40 Opening Address
Mr. Andrew Doyle T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Morning session
Chair – Owen Brooks, Former Chairman, Irish Egg Association
10.40 – 11.00 Evolving shopper behaviour in the Irish poultry and egg market
Cliona Lynch, Kantar
11.05 – 11.30 Developments in the Global and EU poultry meat industry
Nan-Dirk Mulder, Rabobank
11.30 – 12.00 Market trends influencing the egg sector
Mark Williams, British Egg Industry Council
12.00 – 12.15 Discussion
12.15 – 13.45 LUNCH
Afternoon Session
Chair – Martin Blake, Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine
13.45 – 14.15 Technology and data usage improvements at farm level
David Speller, Applied Poultry Group
14.15 – 14.35 Disease risk management on Irish poultry farms
Sally Gaynor, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine
14.35 – 14.55 Progress in sustainability and market developments in the Irish poultry sector
Peter Duggan, Bord Bia
14.55 – 15.15 Discussion
15.30 Closing Address