The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Louis Planas, this Friday reassured the public there will be no shortage of chicken this summer. He addressed concerns raised by poultry farmers about potential losses from higher input costs that could affect national supply and drive prices up.
“I won’t see famine,” Planas stated as he acknowledged the pressures driving up costs. He cited statements reported by Antena 3 and compiled by Europa Press, noting that feed prices and energy costs have risen, which the government is openly addressing through its broad response strategy.
He added that the sale price is governed by the food chain law. “Pursuing better prices for producers is legitimate, and aiming for strong performance is wise. But making unfounded prophecies does not reflect reality. There will be ample supply, and there is no shortage problem in Spain or the European Union. What exists is a challenge in price levels,” he explained.
Plan noted that the sector remains a steady, long-term component of the economy. The food chain law, he said, will take time to reach full effect. Everyone involved must cooperate to implement it, not only in what the government does, because the situation should stabilize once producers are not forced to operate at a loss. If losses persist, some farms may have to shut down.
Plan continued that the current moment is complex, particularly due to the cost of feed for livestock. The price balance between production costs and what is paid by consumers is highly unstable, he observed, underscoring the need for ongoing government support to the industries involved.
He emphasized that the government is doing everything possible to back the sector. If a producer faces losses beyond a short period, difficult decisions may follow, but the aim is to maintain supply and avoid a market disruption that would threaten both producers and consumers.