Organic sector cries fowl on new battery egg rules

Under the new EU directive, egg producers must use the larger, modified ‘enriched’ cages equipped with perches and litter, the aim being to allow hens room to roost, nest and scratch.

Do the new rules on battery cages for laying hens lessen the animal welfare case for organic eggs? In 2008 in Ireland, 62.4% of hens were caged, 1% were housed in barns, and 36.6% were free range, according to the International Egg Market Annual Review.

Over one third free range is a very significant number, and a sign of a gradual move towards higher welfare standards for laying hens.