The British Free Range Egg Producers Associations was formed in 1991, when the free range industry was still in its infancy. As the industry has expanded, so the Association has grown along with it, keeping pace with members’ demands – and it remains the only organisation focused exclusively on Free Range and Organic producers.

BFREPA is universally recognised as the voice of Free Range. Its opinions are sought by Defra and other regulatory bodies who formulate policies and legislation that will affect working practices and responsibilities within the Free Range and Organic industry. As a Trade body, BFREPA sees its mission as to act on behalf of its members to protect and improve their competitive position in the marketplace. Resisting proposals that would impose over-restrictive and over-burdensome legislation on the industry is one facet of this. The Association works closely with related organisations in the egg sector, including the British Egg Industry Council and the British Egg Authority, and also co-operates with other bodies in the wider context of agriculture. Another important part of BFREPA’s work is to monitor the economic fluctuations that affect Free Range and Organic producers and take steps to secure satisfactory financial returns.

“Put simply, our job is to try and get the best deal for our members,” says Tom Vesey, Chairman of BFREPA. “For instance, we have regular meetings with the National Egg Marketing Association (the packers’ association) where each side sets out their current situation, and when appropriate we put forward the producers’ case for a price rise.”

As Chairman, Tom also has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the industry receives fair and informed media coverage, as he is the first point of contact for Press, radio and television whenever a story connected with Free Range attracts media attention.

All Free Range producers benefit enormously from having a strong Association that represents their interests to policymakers at the highest level, negotiates with the packers on their behalf, and projects a positive image of the industry to the media. But membership brings a host of other benefits besides.

DISSEMINATING KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION
Another vital role of the Association is the dissemination of up-to-date information to its members. This is invaluable when the industry is confronted by issues such as a fresh outbreak of AI, or a sharp rise in feed costs, or the introduction of new regulations or controls. But members also appreciate being kept up-to-date on industry developments such as new equipment, products and treatments that can help increase productivity and profitability.

Each year, producers have an unrivalled opportunity to hear the views and predictions of leading industry figures at the BFREPA Conference. Speakers at last year’s event included Mark Williams of BEIC and Simon Twigger from Sainsburys, and as usual delegates’ questions sparked some very lively debate. The Conference is also an opportunity for suppliers to meet face to face with customers they deal with on the telephone throughout the year; it’s a time when producers can network and share useful tips; and as a bonus there are competitions that every member can enter. Chris Kynaston, a relatively small-scale producer in North Wales, won the Best Quality Egg Award at the 2007 BFREPA Conference. She was overjoyed to receive the award – and has been astonished at the effect it has had on her business; her egg sales suddenly soared when customers saw her Best Quality Egg certificate! Chris encourages more members to enter this competition. Everyone has a chance of winning, she says, and it couldn’t be easier to enter; all you need do is to take a tray of your best eggs along with you to the Conference and submit them for judging.

News and information is also circulated to all members in BFREPA’s monthly magazine, The Ranger. Many members regard The Ranger as essential reading, including as it does news, views and extensively-researched articles, with input from experienced producers, specialist vets, consultants and experts drawn from various sectors of the industry. Chris finds The Ranger invaluable and sees it as the biggest single benefit of BFREPA membership. “I would consider my subscription well spent if The Ranger was the only benefit I received from it,” she says. “The amount and quality information in it is tremendous.”

Perhaps a less widely-known contribution that BFREFA makes to knowledge within the industry is its financial support of research projects. “If we believe that a specific project will bring benefits for the industry, we will support it,” says Tom Vesey. “For instance, the Association has recently committed £10,000 to a project aimed at developing an infra-red beak treatment that will not cause mutilation, and which we are hoping will therefore be permitted after the ban on current methods of beak trimming comes into force in 2012.”

SUPPORT AND ADVICE ON ALL TYPES OF ISSUES
Joining BFREPA opens up a choice of routes through which specific concerns can be raised and addressed. Members can write to The Ranger. Or they can draw their concerns to the attention of a regional representative. Each region has representatives on BFREPA’s Council, and all Council members are willing to assist any member who is facing a particular difficulty. In the vast majority of cases, Council members are able to draw on their own experience and the shared experience of their colleagues to work out a solution. All kinds of problems have been solved via this route, from practical matters concerning production techniques and welfare issues, to problems within the supply chain. For instance, one producer who was experiencing an unacceptable level of floor eggs reports that good advice from other BFREPA members solved his problem. Another member asked for help when she could find no way of resolving issues that had arisen between her and her packer; the situation was defused and an amicable solution reached with the help of another member who had encountered a similar situation and was able to advise on the best approach to take. This support network tends to be especially appreciated by new entrants to the industry as it can make a tremendous difference to the success of their business; but unexpected problems can arise at any stage, and even experienced producers sometimes find it useful to be able to tap into informed advice through the Association. A discounted one-year membership subscription is offered to those who are considering to set up in Free Range but who want to find out more about the industry before committing themselves.

And it’s not only when specific problems arise that there is value in being part of a support network. Many members find reassurance simply in knowing they are part of a group of people who are all engaged in the same activity, facing the same concerns. As Chris Kynaston says: “Being able to compare notes with other members in the same situation can prevent you from feeling isolated. There may be occasions when your confidence falters and you worry whether you are doing things right, but after talking it over with other members you feel much more positive.”

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
BFREPA membership continues to rise year on year, adding strength to the organisation. As with any trade association, the more members it has, the louder its voice will be; so it is everybody’s best interests for Free Range and Organic producers to join the Association and support their industry.

John Widdowson, founder member of BFREPA and former Vice-Chairman:
“It’s easy to get completely engrossed with what’s happening on your own farm; after all, that’s what all of us are passionate about. But these days there are so many things going on outside the farm that affect us that you can’t ignore everything outside the farm gate. It’s important to keep up with political developments and the economic aspects as well. You have to keep your finger on the pulse – and being a member of BFREPA is one way of doing that.

“Egg pricing is still the biggest issue. If BFREPA did not exist, who would be fighting the producers’ corner?”

Chris Kynaston, winner of the 2007 Best Quality Egg Award:
“Whilst much of the work done by the Association cannot be seen by members, they certainly feel its effects, and they can read about it in The Ranger. BFREPA has an important role as a pressure group. For example, without the pressure that is brought to bear by the Association, individual producers would be completely at the mercy of the packers. BFREPA gives them a voice.”

BFREPA member Ann Herbert:
“There are many reasons for joining BFREPA. The Ranger magazine is very good because it keeps you in touch, and I especially value the veterinary advice and the comments. I also like the fact that BFREPA funds worthwhile research into issues such as beak-trimming,which I am glad to support. Above all, it is good that Free Range has people who are willing to spend time fighting for the industry. Producers lead busy lives, and we are fortunate to have the people at BFREPA to represent us. And I enjoy the annual Conference because it attracts good speakers and I always find it a stimulating event.”

Member James Holloway, named ‘Producer of the Year’ at the 2007 BFREPA Conference:
“Joining BFREPA as a newcomer to the industry means you can talk to other members who have a lot of experience and knowledge. When I joined, I was looking for a guiding hand. BFREPA members pointed me in the right direction and helped me to grow my business and make it a success.”