NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw chaired the session, featuring NFU poultry board chair James Mottershead, chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss and Defra鈥檚 exotic disease policy lead Gordon Hickman.
Covered in the session
Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss provided an in-depth presentation on the current avian influenza situation, factors contributing to it and the importance of biosecurity. Following the presentation questions from members were put to the panel.
How the NFU is supporting members
We have a wealth of essential information and resources available for members. We also continue to lobby for four key asks:
- Expand the regional housing measures on a national basis to reflect the increase in the levels of risk across the country
- Ensure that the government鈥檚 compensation protocol and payment scheme for premises which are confirmed with AI is fit for purpose
- Review the marketing legislation which currently provides a 16-week protection period for the marketing of free-range eggs when government housing measures are imposed
- Provide support on longer term measures for the government and industry to deal with AI as an annual occurrence 鈥� i.e.听research into vaccination.
Meet the speakers
Tom Bradshaw
NFU President
The home farm is based around arable production but has also diversified into equestrian and renewables.
Tom has represented the NFU from Local Branch Chairman through to Chair of the National Combinable Crops Board.
Tom was elected to the position of NFU President in February 2024.
Responsibilities
- Animal health and welfare incl. bTB
- Trade and standards
- Climate, energy and net zero
- Food supply chain (fair dealing, mergers and acquisitions, competition, regulation)
- Animal ID and movements
- Assurance review
- Taxation and fiscal policy
- Immigration
James Mottershead
NFU Poultry Board chair, Midlands
James is a previous chair of the NFU Poultry Industry Programme and has always been passionate about ensuring the voice of younger members is well represented.
He is keen for the board to address issues surrounding labour shortages, resilience and supply chain fairness and believes these are some of the industry's main priorities.
Christine Middlemiss CB
UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Defra
She has been instrumental in the government鈥檚 tireless efforts to manage the unprecedented ongoing outbreak of avian influenza in the UK.
听
Gordon Hickman
Head of Exotic Disease Control (Defra)
After studying agriculture at Reading University, Gordon went on to spend 18 years working as an agricultural adviser in the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS). In May 2001, he was seconded to the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food to assist with the disposal operations during the 2001 FMD outbreak.
During 2002 and 2016 Gordon held various roles for the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency before transferring to Defra for his current role.
听