Poultry Business and British Poultry Council tackle the intersection of productivity, land use, and sustainability.

Today the British Poultry Council, in partnership with Poultry Business magazine, hosted a webinar focused on the future of land use in poultry production.

The hour-long session, moderated by Chloe Ryan, editor of Poultry Business magazine, featured insights from a distinguished panel of experts:

• Justin Coleman (Poultry Business Unit Director at Pilgrim’s Europe Moy Park) emphasised the importance of aligning policy, food security, and environmental responsibility.
• Emma Mingo (Sales Manager at Powell and Co Construction) discussed the practical challenges and opportunities in poultry housing.
• Ian Pick (Planning Consultant at Harrison Pick) highlighted the ‘postcode lottery’ effect on planning permission.
• Gary Ford (Head of Strategy and Producer Engagement at the British Free Range Egg Producers Association) explored the transition to cage-free.

Key points of discussion included balancing productivity with stewardship, reimagining land management, and addressing the challenges of a sustainable future. An interactive Q&A session allowed attendees to engage directly with the panel, fostering dialogue on actionable solutions for sustainable growth.

Chloe Ryan of Poultry Business summed the discussion as: “Poultry producers are shifting to systems with lower stocking densities, putting pressure on the existing land and infrastructure. We need to balance food production with protecting the environment and this discussion was an insight into how the government and industry can work together to try and get it right.”

On how land use could feed into a newly announced National Food Strategy, Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council, said: “Prioritising space over land, and vice versa, is about balancing efficient food production with the need to protect our land for future generations. Striking the balance is what will drive resilient, sustainable poultry meat production – fostering innovation, a fit-for-purpose planning framework, and environmental stewardship.

A National Food Strategy must be grounded in that balance, ensuring every square metre contributes to a system that feeds people, tackles the inequalities that define a changing climate, honours the environment, and supports our local communities.”