Great Britain Lifts Import Ban on Bosnian Poultry

Great Britain has lifted restrictions on imports of fresh poultry meat and poultry products from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to an update published on GOV.UK, the suspension had been in place since February 2025 following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the country. The removal of the ban signals that animal health conditions are now considered compliant with UK import requirements.

The decision reopens the British market to Bosnian poultry exporters and may modestly increase supply options for UK importers. Poultry trade remains sensitive to disease outbreaks, with biosecurity status continuing to influence cross border flows.

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Source: GOV.UK | 25 February 2026

Irish Meat Sector Faces Job Losses Amid Labour Visa Shortages

Ireland’s meat processing sector is facing potential job losses as labour shortages intensify. Access to non EU work permits remains constrained.

According to reporting by the Irish Farmers Journal, industry leaders have warned that difficulties in securing employment permits for overseas workers are placing significant strain on processing operations. Labour costs and workforce availability are now cited as the sector’s primary concerns.

Processors have highlighted their reliance on international staff to maintain throughput levels, particularly in specialist and shift based roles. Ongoing visa limitations are said to be restricting capacity. Some businesses are warning that reduced output or restructuring may follow if workforce access does not improve.

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Source: Irish Farmers Journal | 25 February 2026

‘Big Four’ US Meatpackers Face Lawsuits Over Beef Pricing

Major US meatpackers are facing legal action amid allegations of price fixing and collusion. Meanwhile, consumer beef prices continue to rise.

According to reporting by The Guardian, leading processors including Tyson Foods and JBS are among firms accused in lawsuits brought by retailers and foodservice operators such as McDonald’s. The claims centre on alleged coordinated behaviour within the US beef processing sector.

The legal challenges come as retail beef prices in the United States have climbed sharply. At the same time, prices paid to cattle producers have reportedly weakened. The cases are expected to intensify scrutiny of concentration within the US beef packing industry. They could have wider implications for pricing transparency and supply chain dynamics.

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Source: The Guardian | 25 February 2026

Irish Share of UK Beef Imports Fell Sharply in 2025

Ireland’s share of UK beef imports declined markedly in 2025, despite overall import volumes holding steady.

According to reporting by the Irish Farmers Journal, Ireland’s market share fell from 77% in 2024 to 67% in 2025. Shipments to the UK dropped from 185,272 tonnes to 162,017 tonnes year on year, while other supplying countries increased volumes to offset the shortfall.

Although total UK beef imports remained broadly stable, the figures indicate a clear shift in sourcing patterns. The change will be closely watched by processors and exporters, particularly given the importance of the UK market to Irish beef trade flows.

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Source: Irish Farmers Journal | 25 February 2026

Irish Beef Factory Quotes Remain Unchanged

Irish beef factory quotes remain largely unchanged this week, signalling continued short-term stability in the trade despite ongoing supply pressures.

According to reporting by Agriland, base quotes for steers are holding around €7.00/kg to €7.10/kg, with heifers generally starting from €7.10/kg to €7.20/kg. Cow prices also remain steady, depending on grade and specification.

The stability follows a period of tighter cattle supplies, with weekly kill numbers remaining subdued compared to previous years. While throughput is lower, processors appear to be maintaining quotes rather than pushing for further reductions.

Industry observers note that the balance between limited cattle availability and cautious retail demand is currently keeping the market relatively flat. Export performance and UK price comparisons will continue to influence pricing direction in the weeks ahead.

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Source: Agriland | 24 February 2026

NFU Urges Strategy to Boost Domestic Food Output

The National Farmers’ Union has warned that the UK’s growing reliance on imported food risks undermining national resilience. This NFU UK food security warning also puts long-term food security in danger.

According to reporting by The Telegraph, NFU President Tom Bradshaw argued that declining domestic production of key staples, including beef and poultry meat, leaves the country increasingly exposed. As a result, the UK becomes more vulnerable to global supply shocks.

The NFU is calling for a clear government strategy to strengthen home-grown food production. It stresses that food security should be treated as a core component of national security policy.

Industry figures note that UK self-sufficiency levels have gradually weakened across several sectors in recent years. With geopolitical tensions, climate disruption and trade volatility affecting global supply chains, farming leaders say reliance on overseas supply creates structural vulnerability.

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Source: The Telegraph | 24 February 2026

Inspection Fee Increase Adds Pressure to Processors

UK meat processors are bracing for significantly higher operating costs after official inspection fees were increased by 24%, according to industry reporting.

The revised charges, linked to Food Standards Agency oversight and veterinary inspection services, are expected to add substantial financial pressure across the processing sector. Some medium-sized businesses could face additional annual costs approaching £100,000.

Industry representatives warn that the increase comes at a time when processors are already contending with tight livestock supplies, elevated labour costs and persistent energy price volatility. Smaller and independent operators are seen as particularly vulnerable to the added burden.

The hike has intensified debate over how regulatory costs are calculated and whether the current inspection charging model fairly reflects plant size, throughput and efficiency levels.

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Source: FarmingUK | 24 February 2026

IFA Criticises Sheep Factories Over Pricing Dispute

The Irish Farmers’ Association has accused sheep processors of failing to reflect true market returns in current lamb pricing.

In a statement issued on 23 February, the IFA described recent factory pricing behaviour as unacceptable and out of step with prevailing market conditions. The association argues that tighter domestic supplies and stronger prices in key UK and EU markets should be supporting higher farmgate returns.

The IFA has pointed to significantly higher lamb prices in Britain and across parts of continental Europe, maintaining that Irish processors should be passing back the full value of the market to producers.

Sheep kill numbers have remained relatively tight, adding weight to farmers’ claims that supply fundamentals do not justify subdued pricing. However, processors have previously cited retail resistance and market volatility as constraints on upward price movement.

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Source: Irish Farmers’ Association | 23 February 2026

US Introduces 15% Tariff on Sheep and Goat Meat Imports

The United States has announced a new 15% tariff on imported sheep and goat meat, while Australian beef exports will remain exempt under the latest trade measures.

According to reporting by Beef Central, the tariff adjustment follows a US Supreme Court ruling that challenged aspects of the previous administration’s trade framework. The revised policy is expected to reshape certain red meat trade flows into the US market.

The decision is likely to affect key exporting nations, including Australia, which has significant sheep and goat meat exposure to the US. While beef shipments remain unaffected, the new levy introduces additional cost pressure for lamb and goat exporters.

Industry observers note that the US remains a major destination for imported sheepmeat, particularly in foodservice and ethnic retail segments. Any tariff increase may influence pricing dynamics, market access strategies and supply chain planning.

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Source: Beef Central | 23 February 2026

RSPCA Challenges Major Food Chains Over Chicken Welfare Shift

The RSPCA has criticised a group of major fast-food brands for stepping back from previously stated commitments on higher chicken welfare standards.

According to reporting by Farming Online, 18 companies — including KFC, Burger King and Nando’s — have withdrawn from the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), a framework aimed at improving broiler welfare. The BCC includes measures such as moving away from fast-growing breeds. In addition, it aims at enhancing environmental standards in poultry production.

The companies are reported to have introduced an alternative scheme with different welfare criteria. This has prompted concern from the RSPCA, which argues the revised approach falls short of the original commitments.

The Better Chicken Commitment has been widely adopted across parts of the UK and European retail. It has also been adopted by foodservice sectors and has been seen as a benchmark for higher welfare broiler production.

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Source: Farming Online | 23 February 2026