The British Free Range Egg Producers’ Association (BFREPA) Conference will return as an in-person event on 29 September, as egg producers face pressures from overwhelming rises in production costs.
 
The UK’s egg producers will come together at NEC Birmingham for tools and advice that will help them stay resilient and successful during a period of adversity.
 
The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Building resilience in a commodity world’, will tackle a range of issues facing free range egg producers and the current challenges in the market.
 
The government’s chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss will share her vision for resilient biosecurity as the industry emerges from the worst AI outbreak yet.
 
A suite of guest speakers, including the Mark Thomas from Farming Community Network (FCN), Toby Rush from Fram Farmers alongside producer Andrew Knowles, and Carlos Saviani from DSM will cover pressing topics such as looking after mental health in farming, producing food more sustainably, and saving on feed costs.
 
The conference, organised in partnership with ForFarmers, is the largest livestock conference of its type in the UK and typically attracts hundreds of farmers and delegates from across the industry.
 
Robert Gooch, BFREPA CEO, said: “UK free range and organic egg producers are facing a multitude of pressures from huge rises in production costs and unsustainable prices from the market. Frustratingly, our calls for a much-needed price rise of at least 40p per dozen from retailers have fallen on deaf ears, all while facing the worst AI outbreak we have ever experienced.
 
“Many members are considering their future in the sector so this year’s conference is about bringing producers together, hearing their stories, and encouraging conversations about how to overcome these hurdles and stay resilient during what continues to be a challenging time for egg producers.”
 
A number of free range egg businesses will be exhibiting their latest products and innovations throughout the day, alongside judging of the popular and hotly contested ‘Egg Quality Competition’.
 
As well as an exhibition of exciting new innovations from the free range poultry sector, BFREPA is holding its Free Range Egg Awards to recognise individuals in our industry who are doing a great job. The Gala Awards dinner, sponsored by Elanco, Noble Foods, Newquip & DSM, in association with the Pullet Hatcheries & Breeders Association, will take place on the evening of 28 September.
 
Conference tickets cost £24.00 (inc. VAT) and can be booked now through Eventbrite here.