Poultry farmers dealt blow as 2 Sisters Group cancels contracts

Hard-pressed poultry farmers have been dealt a devastating blow.

The 2 Sisters group, which owns the chicken-processing plant in Coupar Angus, announced it was slashing production at the site and, as a result, suppliers have had their contracts cancelled.

NFU Scotland is now urging that retailers forge stronger bonds with the country’s farmers and continue to buy local.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead revealed a working group would be set up to consider market opportunities.

He said: “As well as the anticipated 200 job losses in Coupar Angus, farmers supplying this plant and in Letham have been told their contracts will be effectively cancelled from next year.

“These are businesses who have been encouraged one minute to invest millions upgrading their facilities and the next minute are facing an uncertain future with no buyer for their chickens.

“This clearly has severe implications for the whole supply chain, including grain producers and hauliers.”

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