Free Range Code To Change

It appears that farmers may have found a way to go around free range egg code. Under the modification, the term “free range” will still apply to chickens raised at 20,000 birds a hectare.

Chicken growers, however, are split on the change.

The Australian Egg Corporation said that new poultry standard would arrest the decline of quality and supply. Managing director James Kellaway said without the change, the supply of eggs would dry up and Australia might resort to importing eggs from neighboring countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, etc.

Kellaway added that egg imports from other countries may not meet Australian standards. The Australian Egg Corporation represents more than 400 producers.

Free-range egg farmers, on the other hand, do not welcome the change in the code. They argue that the move will result into misleading and confusing consumers. Some sectors also said that the change would only benefit big egg producers, giving them bigger profits and market share.

The Free Range Farmers Association echoes the sentiments of free-range egg farmers. It currently recommends 750 chickens per hectare.

Phil Westwood, the association’s spokesman, said major cage-egg producers want to expand and label their eggs as “free range” to earn more money without the need to incur the extra costs of free-range production.

It encouraged the industry to use the terms “cage-free” or “barn-laid” for eggs that do not meet the current farming standards.

The current code only allows 1,500 chickens a hectare. The number can go higher provided that the enclosed spaces are rotated regularly. The code was created in 2001 when the industry was just in its infancy stage.

Tagged Australian Egg Corporation, Free Range Farmers Association, James Kellaway