Questionnaires have gone to producers, processors, vets, retailers, the allied industry and civil servants.

BPEX Head of Communications Andrew Knowles said: “This survey gives us a vital snapshot of the industry and as we have been carrying out the survey for several years now, it also gives us some comparative information.

“I would urge everybody who has received a questionnaire to spend a few minutes filling it in.

“It also contains a section on BPEX itself and whether or not we have meeting the needs of the industry and gives people the opportunity to make suggestions on what else BPEX could do.“

Anybody who would like to take part in the survey but has not received a questionnaire can do so by following this link http://www.bpex.org.uk/Article.aspx?ID=301825