Sufficient high quality production
One of the main challenges facing rural agricultural communities in Europe is the production of quality food, which remains affordable. There is a fine balance to be met between running farms to high standards, and producing products that remain affordable (high input costs versus low market price).
In practice
Achieving high quality production through implementation of standards and working closely with local suppliers
The Lakes Free-Range Egg Farm, UK
‘The Lakes Free Range Egg Company’ has around 48,000 free range birds, held over two sites. The eggs comprise 10% of the requirements of the business’ packing station while the remainder of the requirement is contracted out to local farmers, helping local businesses to find additional ventures to the traditional beef and sheep production of the area. The farm provides advice to local partners on topics from building construction and breeds of birds, to types of disinfectant to use. This bespoke approach helps new suppliers operate effectively from day one. The farmer provides a minimum 14-month contract (the length of one batch of laying hens) to all his producers. In return, he insists that his suppliers work to the same high standards of good practice that he has adopted over the years.
It is a requirement of The Lakes that all producers must register with The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC). The scheme is independently audited and provides assurance that the eggs are produced to the highest standards of food safety.
At least once a year, producer farms are provided with benchmark data demonstrating performance within the group and suggestions for improvements.
Go to case study: »Eggs – The Lakes Free Range Egg Company, UK