European poultry producers have called on policymakers to treat food security as a matter of security in its own right, arguing that stable poultry supply belongs alongside energy and defence in the EU's strategic planning.

The call comes from the European poultry industry, which says the sector's role in feeding the continent warrants the same policy weight given to other critical systems. The industry argues that outbreaks of avian influenza, input cost shocks and trade disruptions have exposed how quickly protein supply can come under pressure.

What does the industry want?

The sector wants food production recognised as a strategic security concern. That framing carries practical consequences for European hospitality businesses, whose menus depend heavily on poultry as a core, competitively priced protein across QSR, casual dining and contract catering.

If policymakers accept the argument, poultry supply could gain stronger protection in areas such as:

• Biosecurity funding and disease control
• Support for producers during avian influenza outbreaks
• Trade measures that shield EU production from disruption

Why does this matter for hospitality operators?

Poultry is a volume driver for European foodservice. Any disruption to supply or spikes in price feed directly into operator food costs and menu engineering decisions. A security framing could stabilise supply over time, though it may also come with regulatory obligations across the production chain.

The industry's position signals that producers expect continued volatility and want structural answers rather than one-off crisis support. For buyers across hospitality, that points to ongoing pressure on poultry pricing and availability in the near term.

The debate now moves to Brussels, where the sector's call will test whether EU institutions are willing to elevate food production within their security agenda.