chickens and good news...

Hi Guys,

As I’ve already said, I was really pleased with Fowl Dinners because I felt that we made a balanced show that gave the audience all the facts then let them make up their own minds. Since the show aired I’ve been hearing that sales of free range and organic chickens have really increased. It also seems as though people are beginning to steer away from eggs from caged hens, and this is all good stuff. I’m hoping this isn’t a short-term blip and that all those people who’re buying into free range and higher-welfare birds are noticing the difference in taste and will stick with it.

It’s fantastic to see the chicken debates continuing on the Forums and people really caring about the welfare of the birds they eat. But I also want the British public to remember that it isn’t just the welfare of the chicken that’s important, but also the welfare of the farmer!

In 2012 a ban on battery chickens will come into effect. That will be a great thing, but I hope whoever is in charge will be brave enough to also ban the importing of eggs that come from battery chickens. This would protect our good old British farmers from being undercut on price by battery farmers from other countries.

Many of our farmers are going to be wondering which system to buy into; keeping chickens in enriched cages or barns. I personally think the barn system is much nicer for the bird. With this system, all the farmer has to do to make the raising of the chickens more humane is provide some natural light, raise a slower-growing chicken and not cram as many birds in. The debate over this continues and I want to say well done to Hugh for his ongoing campaign ‘Chicken Out!’ Check out his website by clicking here www.chickenout.tv.

As you all know, another issue I care about is getting our kids to eat food that’s better for them. And this week, in his drive to combat obesity, Education Secretary Ed Balls announced that the government will be making it compulsory for all secondary students to learn how to cook. I think this is fantastic news and it gets a big thumbs-up from me. I’m still wondering where the money to pay for all this will come from, but if it works it’ll be a big step forward.

I’m going to be watching closely as this scheme develops to see how they’ll go about providing the right staff and facilities. But if they are serious about this and do it right, then Ed Balls will be responsible for one of the most important health decisions in the last 50 years. I’m looking forward to meeting him soon to see how he’s getting on.

Love Jamie O xxx