January 8, 2008

EU to carry on ban of laying cages in poultry farms

EU authorities announced no delay on laying cages ban in 2012 as some poultry farmers already invested in new systems to comply with animal welfare standards.

The European Commission is set on implementing the ban despite difficulties in execution as expressed by some EU members, according to Brussels agriculture newsletter Agrafacts.

Animal welfare activists have fought against laying cages as these do not give much room for the chicken. The system is detrimental to the birds' health, they said.

An egg from a cage system costs US$0.01 to US$0.02 cheaper than eggs from systems where the hens have more space.

The cost advantage of non-European egg suppliers will be limited through the imposition of levies and the rising transport rates.

The European Commission emphasized that the ban on laying cages only applies to eggs for consumption. However, it suggested the commission might extend rules to eggs for processing.