Episode
Ep 44 | Bfrepa's Gary Ford: Organic eggs, price caps and pullet supply pressures
- Podcast
- The Poultry Network Podcast
- Published
- May 29, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2243
- Processing state
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Summary
In this episode, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman are joined by Gary Ford for a wide-ranging discussion on the UK egg sector, covering organic production rules, environmental guidance, government price-cap speculation, chick and pullet supply pressures, and a new academy for young people in the egg industry. Episode overview The UK egg sector is enjoying strong consumer demand, but producers are facing a complex mix of policy, supply chain and production challenges. Gary Ford explains why the organic egg sector is watching UK-EU SPS alignment discussions closely, particularly around derogations for non-organic protein in poultry diets and range access for pullets in rear. He also outlines work with Defra to ensure policymakers understand the practical consequences of changes to organic production rules. The conversation also covers a forthcoming environmental guidance document for free-range layer producers, developed with the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales, as well as industry reaction to reports that government had discussed possible price caps on staple foods including eggs. Later in the episode, the panel discusses growing concern around chick and pullet availability, with lead times reportedly stretching to 15-18 months for some new entrants. Gary highlights the need to focus more attention on the pullet rearing and breeder sectors, warning that the wider egg supply chain must keep pace with expansion in the commercial laying flock. The episode closes with details of a new academy for young people in the egg sector, launched in conjunction with ForFarmers, which will give a small group of participants exposure to the full egg supply chain over a 12-month period. Key topics discussed Organic egg production and UK-EU alignment Gary explains that the orga…