“Food security is top priority,” says Shadow Food and Farming Minister

BPC award winners recognised for exceptional contributions to the industry feeding the nation.

British Poultry Council Chair, Martin Troop, and event sponsor, Shadow Food and Farming Minister, Daniel Zeichner MP, were joined by farmers, producers, and other key stakeholders to celebrate the commitment, innovation and excellence driving the industry putting food on every table.

The BPC Annual Awards recognise long and distinguished careers, contributions to research, potential for future excellence and individuals who have supported and made significant contributions to the British poultry meat industry.

Mr Troop, joined by Mr Zeichner MP to present the Awards celebrating meritorious service, told attendees: “Everyone here goes to work to do a good job, providing something good for the country and making a difference with safe, affordable, and nutritious food. It’s our people, alone and together, who make a difference, and it is these people we are all here to recognise today.”

Mr Zeichner MP said: “Feeding the nation is a matter of national security…it’s been well-noted across the political spectrum just how well your people have stepped up and have kept the country fed.”

Mr Troop said: “We all know the context of recent years and the costs and burdens incurred but let us not wilfully add to those. We know where we want to be – trusted and valued sustainable food producers. We even know what the steppingstones are to get there, outlined in BPC’s report ‘2024 & Beyond’…we are looking for the support of our Government.”

In its latest report, ‘2024 and Beyond,’ the British Poultry Council charts the course towards developing a new and healthy context for British food production, outlining the steps that must be taken to safeguard the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food, prioritise the viability of poultry meat businesses and secure the robustness of our supply chains into the future:

• Safe, affordable, nutritious food for all
• Smooth and fair trade keeps food moving
• Managing avian influenza
• A balance between welfare and the environment
• A secure and skilled workforce

Mr Troop continued: “The cost of living is hitting businesses and people who are simply trying to go to work and do a good job. The people in this room work hard to feed the nation…there are many positives and benefits to be had, but only if we – Government and industry – can work together.”  

2023 Annual Awards Winners:

Please find a selection of photographs below