7 March 2012
SPCA Says Cage Free Barn is Cheaper than Colony Cages
The SPCA is asking battery hen farmers to consider converting to barn housing for layer hens as a cage-free farming
option.
The Egg Producers Federation have announced the proposed change to colony cages is accepted by the industry but that it
will cost $150M and take an estimated 18 years for industry to recoup.
The SPCA agrees that the investment layer hen farmers will make is substantial and therefore consumers can expect hens
to live in cages for a long time to come.
However UK figures show that the cost of converting from battery cages to a barn system is less than converting to a
colony cage system and delivers the cage-free eggs that consumers want.
“Consumers are becoming far more conscious of where and how their food is produced and they don’t want cages,” says
Juliette Banks, SPCA National Accreditation and Marketing Manager.
“With a steady annual increase in the free-range egg market it is clear consumers will not accept caged eggs in the
future.”
For industry to spend millions converting a system that consumers will reject seems pointless.
“The production cost of barn eggs is only slightly higher than the colony system so the cost difference to consumers at
the checkout will be minimal, however the life quality of the chicken is considerably better.” says Juliette.
The SPCA Blue Tick accreditation scheme audits cage-free producers to ensure good welfare standards for layer hens.
Consumers choosing Blue Tick products can be assured of high welfare production standards.
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About the SPCA Blue Tick
The SPCA’s Blue Tick is a national certification programme that identifies the animal food product it adorns as being
produced in a manner that is guaranteed to be cruelty-free.
To earn the right to display the Blue Tick logo, producers must meet the SPCA’s rigorous welfare standards and undergo
thorough auditing on a regular basis by qualified and independent inspectors.
Free range and barn laid eggs were first to be accredited under the scheme in 2001, and in 2007 free range and eco barn
(free farmed) pork and pork products were added.
Choosing products displaying the Blue Tick logo enables consumers to confidently select humanely-produced food.
ENDS