Welsh poultry farmers need "urgent support" in the face of bird flu and spiralling costs, a meeting has heard.

NFU Cymru's Poultry Conference was held in Powys on November 21, where over 100 Welsh poultry farmers attended amid multiple crises which have hit the industry.

Members at the meeting at Wynnstay, in Llandrindod Wells, expressed serious concerns the impact of severe energy price inflation, hikes in feed costs and the worst ever UK outbreak of avian influenza were taking on their businesses and their families – many said their businesses would not be able to continue to swallow rising costs.

NFU Cymru poultry group chair Richard Williams said: “The record turnout at this meeting was testimony to the strength of concern among Welsh poultry farmers at present. The feeling of frustration and fear was palpable, with many members expressing that the impact of rising input costs affecting production and the continued risk of avian influenza are causing untold stress and worry.

“The union has been engaged in meetings with government, retailers and food businesses over the crisis impacting poultry producers and the need for these current supply chain issues to be addressed without delay.

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Following the meeting, NFU Cymru has written to the Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths MS, stressing that immediate action is needed to support Welsh poultry businesses in the wake of the unprecedented challenges they face.

The union has called upon the minister to immediately introduce all-Wales poultry housing measures to help protect commercial flocks against avian influenza.

Mr Williams added: “Farmers present at the conference were adamant that Welsh Government should follow the action taken in England and introduce a housing order to protect commercial flocks in Wales. If the introduction of housing measures saves just one farming family from facing the devastating impact of the disease, it will be worth it.”

NFU Cymru is also urging the minister to use the powers under the UK Agriculture Act 2020 to investigate whether an ‘exceptional market conditions’ declaration should be made, given the severe market disruption which egg producers and UK consumers are experiencing.

Such a declaration would enable Welsh Government to use its statutory powers to provide much needed support to egg producers whose livelihoods are under threat.

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said: “The union is exploring all avenues and levers at its disposal to help resolve this situation, including conversations with retailers and calling on the government to look in detail at the current supply chain issues.

“I’d like to assure shoppers that, despite the scale of this crisis, Welsh producers continue to produce healthy, nutritious and affordable eggs and poultry meat, products we know are highly valued by our consumers.”