The Ulster Farmers’ Union has encouraged anyone considering poultry production or expansion to “do their homework” before reaching a final decision. The advice from the UFU comes after the recent announcement of the Government’s Poultry Loan Scheme and the contact which the Union has had with many of its members.
Speaking on this issue, UFU Deputy President Ian Marshall said; “While the Union supports the roll out of the recent Agri-Food Strategy Board Report, which seeks to encourage significant growth in production, this can only be done when such production is profitable. This is one of the key principles of the strategy and remains central to our thinking.
“For the poultry sector, anyone considering either becoming a grower or expanding needs to carefully consider all of the issues involved. The initial cost of the poultry houses; loan repayment; the extent of production management control; details of bonus payments; and the cost of labour are among the big issues that need to be factored in.”
