EU directive to result in big changes in rearing of laying hens, says MEP

MAJOR changes in the current system of rearing laying hens are on the way, according to Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness.

She said the changes were due to come about as a result of an EU directive due to come into force in three years.

Ms McGuinness said she had asked the EU Council to indicate whether an extension to the deadline would be provided, given that in 2006 almost 80% of EU egg production came from the conventional caged system.