THE National Farmer’s Union of Scotland has called on the UK Government to ensure imported eggs meet the same high welfare and production standards as those produced by Scottish farmers, amid growing concerns over increasing imports and falling prices.
The farming union says the UK egg market is beginning to come under pressure following a rise in laying hen numbers and a continued increase in imported eggs. Although consumer demand remains strong, the increase in supply is starting to drive down prices in parts of the sector.
NFU Scotland Poultry Committee chairman Matthew Steel said the long-term outlook for the Scottish egg industry remains positive but warned producers must take account of changing market conditions.
He said: “The long-term outlook for Scottish egg production remains positive. Eggs are an affordable, nutritious and sustainable source of protein, and demand continues to be strong.
“However, as with any agricultural sector, investment decisions must be in conjunction with the realities of market conditions. We are beginning to see signs of increased supply across the market, and that is having an impact on prices in some areas.”
The union believes recent investment in egg production should be considered alongside wider market developments and has renewed calls for the UK Government to tackle what it sees as unfair competition from imported eggs.
NFU Scotland has repeatedly raised concerns that eggs produced under standards which would not be permitted in Scotland are still entering the UK market.
Mr Steel said: “Scottish egg producers work to high standards of animal welfare, environmental management and food safety. It is only right that imported products are produced to equivalent standards.
“Producers should not find themselves competing against eggs produced under conditions that would not be legal here. That undermines confidence in the marketplace and puts additional pressure on businesses already facing rising costs.”
The union acknowledged that producers supplying major retailers through long-term contracts may be less vulnerable to short-term market fluctuations, but stressed that the industry’s future depends on fair competition and sustainable returns.
Mr Steel added: “Our focus remains on ensuring Scottish producers receive a fair return from the marketplace and that consumers have access to high-quality eggs produced to the standards they expect. Anyone considering investment in egg production should undertake thorough due diligence and carefully assess market conditions, supply chain arrangements and long-term business viability before committing significant capital expenditure.”
NFU Scotland said it will continue working with government, retailers and the wider supply chain to promote Scottish egg production while pressing for tighter rules on imported eggs that fail to meet equivalent standards.
