Free-range poultry farmers are facing an uncertain future.

After St Patrick’s Day, no poultry products can be labelled as free range due to the extension of the compulsory housing of birds in response to bird flu.

The introduction of temporary “barn-reared” stickers cannot be used as a ploy by retailers to pass on price reductions for what is the same quality product.

These products are still of the highest quality and poultry farmers must be protected during this period.