Poultry processor in phosphate pledge

Avara Foods says it is working with farmers to ensure the company no longer contributes to excess phosphate in the River Wye, Herefordshire.

The poultry processor’s supply chain includes 120 farms within the Wye catchment. “We are proud to be a vital part of the UK’s food production, but recognise that the wider impact must be managed,” says the company.

The remedy revolves around new ways of managing poultry manure from Avara farms, directing it away from the land where possible or with enhanced land management standards in place where it continues to be applied.

“We have consistent- ly said that the origins of the problem, and implementing the necessary solutions, are not within the power of any single organisation,” it said.

“The situation in the Wye is a jigsaw puzzle of connected challenges and solutions, and it will require collaboration between all interested parties to fully address all of the root causes and return the Wye back to health.

“We have publicly committed to do our part, and have published an overview of our plans here, but there is a very real risk that our actions alone will not be enough to reverse the decline of the River.

“Everyone that plays a part in the river’s current condition must also play their part reversing it.”