Leaders from the UK poultry industry have rejected claims that chicken farms are harming rivers. Richard Griffiths, Chief executive of the British Poultry Council, stated that George Monbiot's belief that chicken farms damage rivers is incorrect.
Mr Griffiths explained that poultry farms do not have direct contact with the soil and operate under permits issued and regulated by the Environment Agency. These permits provide transparency on how manure is managed on site and where it is transported.
He added that chicken manure produced in the UK is either used for energy generation or as fertiliser by other farming sectors. This manure has full traceability and is often transported across the country to areas where it is most needed.
Will Raw, Chair of the NFU Poultry Board, emphasised the need for constructive dialogue between the farming sector, government, regulators, and the public. He noted that British poultry farmers are investing millions of pounds in new technology and infrastructure to support sustainability and ensure valuable nutrients are utilised responsibly.