A major poultry conference encouraging Northern farmers to keep ahead of the industry’s challenges is set to take place next month.

The conference, run by the Poultry Industry Education Trust, is taking place on November 2 in CAFRE’s Loughry campus and will look at the industry in 2018 and beyond.

It will cover the big issues facing farmers including changing market trends and new challenges, raw material supply availability, consumer buying trends, the changing dynamics of avian flu across Europe, and the future of ‘Freedom Food’ poultry trends.

Speakers at the event will include Moy Park director David Gibson, Sue McCabe from RSCPA Assured and Prof. Ian Brown who will discuss the latest findings in the fight against the dynamic threat of avian influenza.

Ulster Farmers’ Union poultry chairman Martyn Blair spoke on the matter.

Poultry farmers are faced with change more often than we would like. Which is why it is important to keep informed, look ahead and plan accordingly,”

“Farmers are busy and it can be hard to get time away from the farm but I would encourage farmers to try and make the time to attend this conference,” Blair said.

“Keeping up to date and being able to identify potential challenges or opportunities will benefit a farm business as well as the industry as a whole.

“I think we can all agree that everyone wants a strong and robust poultry industry in Northern Ireland.”

It comes at a time when the sector sees two major developments – the £1 billion sale of Moy Park, Northern Ireland’s largest employer, and accusations regarding malpractice made against poultry processing giant 2 Sisters.

Those interested in attending should contact Kenneth McConkey on: 028-9035-1321. McConkey can also be contacted by email at: [email protected].

The conference fee is £45 and includes a three-course lunch and refreshments.