Investment opportunity for farmers looking to change direction and collaborate

Annyalla Chicks Ltd is a family run business in the poultry industry in the Republic of Ireland and the UK, specialising in producing day-old chicks.

Through the Farming Connect Venture programme, this poultry business is hoping to collaborate with farmers in Wales.

The Farming Connect Venture programme is designed to increase mobility within the agricultural industry through a matching service and joint venture facilitation.

Annyalla Chicks Ltd was originally set up by John Mawer Snr in 1981 and since then has grown and developed into a business producing in excess of 3 million broiler day old chicks per week.

The company is seeking to expand in line with growing demand. They are looking for landowners who are eager to collaborate, and located within 2 hours travelling distance from Wrexham. Various opportunities are available including broiler growing and breeder options.

Annyalla Chicks are looking to invest into the venture over a period of 10 to 12 years and will pay a rent to the landowner. Agreements and options can be bespoke to meet the landowners needs.

The site size would need to be 3 acres with a minimum 250 kVA electricity supply, mains water and would need to be at least 1 mile away from other poultry units. Accommodation for staff would also need to be available nearby.

Interested parties are invited to attend a Farming Connect meeting (held over Zoom) on Wednesday 14^th July at 6:30pm to hear more about the opportunity and what it entails. To book a place on the meeting, visit the Farming Connect website or phone 08456 000 813

Through its Agrisgôp programme, Farming Connect has supported over 50 farming families to diversify into the poultry sector with groups led by experienced diversification mentor Elaine Rees-Jones, who will be facilitating the meeting.

Elaine states that, “In addition to being an exciting opportunity for new entrants into the poultry sector, this could also offer a business succession solution for existing poultry farmers who are looking to take a step back from the day to day running of the business.”

Mentoring can be provided by Farming Connect to facilitate the setting up of the joint venture including subsidised business planning and legal guidance.

Farming Connect, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.