Sector groups - turkey sector

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The Turkey Sector Group represents turkey farmers and integrated turkey producers and processors, responsible for 90% of British turkey sales. It is the most comprehensive body representing turkey in the country. Turkey is traditionally seen as a seasonal meal but there is a strong all year round market for turkey meat, accounting for some 6% of the primary meat market. In 2006 some 17 million turkey poults were reared in the UK and Northern Ireland.

The British turkey sector consists of principally integrated companies which manage all stages of production from the breeding of parent stock, through the hatching and growing of commercial birds, to the processing of finished products. This structure guarantees the traceability of products from 'the plate' back to the breeding stock of the turkey concerned.

Until the1950s turkey production was carried out in extensive systems and focused on seasonal markets. In the early 1960s the turkey sector adapted techniques pioneered by the integrated chicken companies and began to use indoor, verandah and pole barn systems. The introduction of broad breasted strains of turkeys from the USA led to improved British strains of turkeys, with better growth rates, feed conversion and conformation. Traditional and rare British breeds of turkeys continue to be used today and figure largely in our farm gate turkey production.

BPC turkey Member Companies contribute to a voluntary industry levy which pays for both research & development and publicity and marketing activities.

Publicity & Marketing

BPC turkey producers have successfully worked together to actively promote turkey grown in Britain and to Quality British Turkey standards; overseeing the growth of Quality British Turkey as a brand.

Research & Development

The R&D Group focuses on the technical and research aspects of turkey production; along with representation from turkey primary breeding companies and associated feed and nutruition suppliers.The forum is for scientific debate and advises the BPC on issues concerning turkey health and welfare. It works cloesly with animal research institutes and also sponsors a number of dedicated PhD scholarships.

Technical Advisory Committee

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) oversees the Quality British Turkey assurance scheme and comprises member companies’ technical, farming and production specialists. The TAC also has independent members drawn from the Farm Animal Welfare Council, Humane Slaughter Association and poultry vets.The forum's focus is best practice and advises the Council on any issues affecting turkey farming.