Stonegate offers exclusive comprehensive avian influenza insurance

Published on : 3 Nov 2025

Gabriella Whorwood

Stonegate Farmers Ltd, the UK’s largest packer of free-range, speciality, and organic eggs, has renewed its avian influenza insurance scheme, providing reassurance to its 190 producers amid a rise in outbreaks across the country.

“With avian influenza a persistent threat for the poultry industry, we’re pleased to be offering this comprehensive cover to our producers for the third year in a row,” says Gabriella Whorwood, head of contract production at Stonegate.

“While we’ve been fortunate that none of our producers have used this insurance to date, we want to continue to ensure we de-risk their operations as much as possible,” explains Ms Whorwood.

“So, we’re proud to be able to offer our producers the most comprehensive avian influenza insurance package in the industry,” she adds.

Ms Whorwood explains that each farm is assessed for their own risk, and then allocated a gold, silver or bronze package - the assigned benefit level will depend on an avian influenza risk assessment.

“Farms who sign-up to the insurance will receive financial support in the event of a confirmed avian influenza outbreak,” she says.

“This includes payment cover for up to 180 days of lost production, with a maximum benefit of £350,000 per producer.”

While this package offers reassurance to current Stonegate producers, Ms Whorwood adds that Stonegate hopes it also removes a big barrier for new entrants to the industry.

“We’re investing in this insurance package, to share the risk of this disease and support our producer partners now and in the future to run a sustainable and financially viable business,” she adds.