2016-04-01
The decision by state and federal ministers to define “free-range” as up to 10,000 birds per hectare* is a win for intensive egg producers over animal welfare and the desire for consumers to buy genuine free range eggs.
“This decision is unbelievable,” Victorian Greens animal welfare spokesperson, Sue Pennicuik MLC said. “Ten thousand birds per hectare is clearly not what any reasonable person would regard as free range.
“As a result of this decision, producers will be able to cram hens into a shed, label the eggs “free-range” and still charge consumers a premium.
“People who care about animal welfare and want to buy genuine free-range eggs have been badly let down by their governments.
“Allowing multiple stocking densities to be displayed on packs will only deepen consumer confusion and anger people.
“The CSIRO’s voluntary code recommends a maximum of 1,500 birds per hectare. Research has shown higher densities increase rates of cannibalism and mortality in domesticated chickens.
“The assurance that hens on free-range farms will have “meaningful and regular” access to the outdoors is pretty well meaningless.
“It is a poor reflection on governments that they have ignored the advice of consumer advocacy body CHOICE, the CSIRO and the ACCC to side with intensive agriculture interests.
“No wonder Choice has called for a boycott on eggs from farms with a stocking density of 10,000 hens per hectare.
“The Greens will continue to work toward a genuine free-range standard, which the public has been crying out for,” Ms Pennicuik said.
For further comment: Sue Pennicuik: 03 9530 8399
*Agreed to by Ministers at the Consumers Affairs forum on 31 March 2016:
• Up to 10,000 hens per hectare can be called “free-range”.
• Stocking densities will be required to be displayed on the pack.
• Hens will have “meaningful and regular” access to an outdoor range.
Background
• According to CHOICE 213 million eggs were sold as free range in 2014 that didn’t meet consumers’ expectations of free range.
• A 2015 survey conducted by CHOICE found most consumers stated that 1,500 per hectare or below was the maximum outdoor stocking density they would want for a national free range egg standard. Human Society International (Australia) was also pushing for a maximum stocking density of 1,500 birds per hectare.