The NFU has been working with NFU Mutual, seeking a solution for poultry producers who are facing the prospect of no insurance against AI (avian influenza), as we enter the peak risk period.
As a temporary solution, NFU Mutual has agreed to reopen its insurance cover for a short period. Members wishing to take out a policy should act fast as the window to apply will close on 4 October.
NFU Mutual took the decision to stop insuring against AI three years ago. However, the insurer opened its books earlier this year to new policies taken on outside of the high-risk period.
The move to reopen its books comes after insurance provider Apollo also withdrew from the market, leaving many producers vulnerable to losses throughout the susceptible disease period.
Short application window
The window to for new policies closes on 4 October.
Recognising the impact of AI
Adam Williams, NFU Mutual animal disease portfolio manager, said: “As the UK’s leading rural insurer, we understand that AI outbreaks can have devastating impacts on the poultry industry and so we were delighted to be able to offer cover to our customers this year.
“To ensure this insurance product is sustainable and viable for customers both this year and in the future, the policy was open from new business between 1 April and 1 September and closed in the volatile, high-risk period of October to March.
“Customers will be able to take out a policy until 5 October and all new policies will run until 15 May 2025, allowing producers to renew outside of the volatile period for avian influenza.”
NFU Mutual animal disease portfolio manager Adam Williams
“We know that many NFU Mutual customers took out insurance with us during this time. However, we have temporarily re-opened this cover to customers who hadn’t taken an AI policy with us to support poultry farmers affected by Apollo’s removal of cover.
“These customers will be able to take out a policy until 4 October and all new policies will run until 15 May 2025, allowing producers to renew outside of the volatile period for avian influenza.
“We invite any businesses looking for avian influenza insurance to contact their local NFU Mutual agency. We will continue to work with industry and insurance partners to offer customers financial protection against this damaging disease.”
Help and support
NFU Poultry Board chair James Mottershead stressed the importance of insurance that covers losses from AI breakouts. “We are now entering a critical period for poultry producers,” he said. “So as the risk of avian influenza ramps up, then so does the vital need to ensure adequate insurance cover and protection.
“The NFU has been supporting members impacted by changes within the marketplace. Any producers who are affected can contact NFU CallFirst for advice and support.”
