Full Breakdown
Outcry Over Imported Chicken in Welsh School Meals
2/3/2026, 10:11:08 AM
Investigation Reveals High Levels of Imported Chicken
A recent investigation by the Countryside Alliance has sparked significant concern among Welsh farming communities regarding the sourcing of chicken served in school meals. The investigation found that a substantial majority of chicken served to students in various Welsh local authorities is imported from countries such as Thailand, China, and Brazil. In some areas, the figures are alarming: Merthyr Tydfil Council reported that 99.35% of the chicken used in its school meals came from these countries, while Conwy County Borough Council indicated that 94% of its chicken was sourced from outside the UK and EU. Gwynedd Council reported that 87.62% of its chicken was imported, and Caerphilly Council noted that 87.32% of its chicken was also imported. Out of 21 councils surveyed, only Anglesey and Bridgend sourced all their chicken from within the UK, and no council could specify the proportion of chicken that was Welsh.
Criticism from Farmers and Advocates
The findings have drawn sharp criticism from local farmers and advocacy groups. Hefin Jones, a Conwy farmer and father, expressed his disappointment, stating, “As a Welsh farmer, I’m deeply disappointed and frustrated to learn that 94% of the chicken Conwy County Borough Council use to feed all primary school kids is imported from places like Thailand and Brazil.” He emphasized the contradiction between the high-quality food production standards in Wales and the reliance on lower-quality imports, raising concerns about food security, animal welfare, and climate impact.
Rachel Evans, director of Countryside Alliance Wales, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the inconsistency in Welsh government policy. She pointed out that the Sustainable Farming Scheme, which aims to reduce livestock numbers by 5% for environmental reasons, contradicts the practice of importing chicken from overseas. Evans called for reforms in public food procurement to prioritize Welsh and British produce and to ensure transparency regarding food provenance in public sector catering.
Official Responses from the Welsh Government
In response to the criticism, a Welsh government spokesman stated that they are committed to increasing the use of locally produced Welsh food in schools. They noted efforts to drive growth in local sourcing through initiatives like Universal Primary Free School Meals and wider investments. The government aims to boost public sector spending on Welsh food by 50% by 2030. Additionally, the spokesman mentioned ongoing collaboration with local authorities, producers, and wholesalers to shorten supply chains and support Welsh agriculture.
Calls for Reform and Sustainable Practices
The Countryside Alliance has urged the Welsh government to take immediate action to reform school meal procurement practices. They advocate for a system that prioritizes Welsh and British produce, emphasizing that sustainability should begin at home by supporting local farmers and responsible food production. The overarching sentiment among critics is that public money spent on school meals should reflect a commitment to high food standards and sustainability, rather than relying on imported products that may undermine local agriculture.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As a Welsh farmer, I’m deeply disappointed and frustrated to learn that 94% of the chicken Conwy County Borough Council use to feed all primary school kids is imported from places like Thailand and Brazil.” — Hefin Jones, Conwy Farmer
- “The Welsh government needs to take urgent action to ensure that public money spent on school meals supports Welsh farming, high food standards and sustainability.” — Rachel Evans, Director of Countryside Alliance Wales
