New government support for the poultry industry has been announced to assist farmers and producers with the impacts of bird flu.
The United Kingdom is dealing with its worst ever bird flu outbreak with over 200 cases confirmed across the country in the last 12 months.
Under the new plans, the government will alter the existing bird flu compensation scheme allowing compensation to be paid to farmers from the outset of planned culling rather than at the end.
This will allow the government to provide swifter payments to the poultry industry to help stem any cash flow pressures and give earlier certainty about entitlement to compensation.
In consultation with the Food Standards Agency, an easement to marketing rules is also being introduced in England.
The measures mean that farmers who breed turkeys, geese or ducks for their meat will have the option to slaughter their flocks early and to freeze these products, which can then be defrosted and sold to consumers between the period November 28 and December 31, 2022.
Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:
“Farmers and poultry producers are facing real pressures as a result of this bird flu outbreak, and we know many are concerned about the impact on their flocks
“We hope the practical solutions announced today will help provide greater financial certainty for the poultry industry.
“We very much appreciate the continued cooperation from the sector as we battle this insidious disease and will continue to keep the situation under close review.”
