August 30, 2022

 

Caged eggs in Western Australia to be phased out in 10 years

 

 

Alannah MacTiernan, Western Australia (WA) Minister for Agriculture and Food, has welcomed a proposal to phase out caged eggs from supermarket shelves within the next 10 years, ABC News reported.

 

This month's update to Australia's poultry standards called for the elimination of caged eggs by 2036, but the minister said the industry could put an end to the practise sooner.

 

MacTiernan said a 10-year period is likely more credible, especially in light of the direction that the industry is moving, adding that the various supermarket chains may stop selling caged eggs from next year or 2025.

 

In Western Australia, caged eggs made up about 36% of total egg production, down from 58% six years prior.

 

The minister's call has come in the midst of a severe egg shortage, and business leaders worried that if caged eggs were phased out, they would not be able to supply the market.

 

Ian Wilson, president of the Commercial Egg Producers Association of Western Australia, said he found it difficult to see any advantages in the change. He said over the past 15 years, egg consumption has increased per capita.

 

Joseph Sacca, owner of Forestdale Farm Fresh Eggs, said the country may have to start importing eggs to meet rising demand from consumers. He said it would cost at least AUD 30 (~US$20.73; AUD 1 = US$ 0.69) per bird to convert from caged practices, adding that the government should provide finance or loan support for farmers.

 

Ian Wilson said there are limited options for farmers with caged production, as most cage farmers are unable to transform into a free-range system due to limited land. These are expensive and take up time.

 

The state government will collaborate with the industry during the phase-out, according to Minister MacTiernan.

 

She said they will be working with the industry to get clear detail on what infrastructure there is and what infrastructure may need to be replaced, examine the dates of those investments, as well as the costs and available options for real estate.

 

-      ABC News