Egg sector leaders demand RSPCA rethink on new standards

Introduction of assurance scheme branded 'poorly communicated, impractical and costly'

clock • 2 min read
The new RSPCA scheme asks producers to provide verandas and natural light for hens
Image:

The new RSPCA scheme asks producers to provide verandas and natural light for hens

The heads of two major egg sector bodies have written to the RSPCA demanding it rethink its new laying assurance standards, describing the move as poorly communicated, impractical and costly.

The RSPCA has recently announced that as of next May new scheme members and those refurbishing sheds (whether barn or free-range) will be required to provide veranda space and certain natural light requirements while existing barn producers will have until January 1, 2030 to meet the targets.

The group hailed the move as a ‘huge step forward for hen welfare'.

However, in a strongly worded letter, BEIC chair Andrew Joret and James Baxter, chair of BFREPA, said the animal welfare group had led members of the industry involved in the new scheme to believe there would be further consultation taking place before the requirements were announced.

The letter states: "The industry representatives on the RSPCA Standards Technical Advisory Group (STAG) were of the view that, after initially raising concerns, further consultation would be taking place. Disappointingly, this has not happened and the first they were aware was the publication of the new standards late last week."

It then goes on to detail how difficult the new requirements will be to achieve, arguing the standard around verandas - by reason of topography and/or ventilation - will be ‘physically impossible' for many producers to achieve.

In terms of commercial viability, the Mr Joret and Mr Baxter said the cost of installing verandas and windows is estimated at some £10 per bird, which equates to approximately £260m based on a 26 million bird national free-range flock.

"We do not believe this significant cost can be recovered from the marketplace and free-range producers cannot be expected to bear this cost," the letter stated.

Announcing the scheme Dr Kate Norman, senior scientific officer and poultry specialist at the RSPCA, said: "The new laying hen standards will be a huge step forward for hen welfare.

"We recognise these are a big change for some of our members and it is therefore really important that we give them enough time to make the necessary changes and support and advise them during that process."

 

BNG National Habitat Bank Creation & Unit Sales

BNG National Habitat Bank Creation & Unit

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

FARM LOANS & RE-MORTGAGES

FARM LOANS & RE-MORTGAGES

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

Commercial Secured Bridging Loans for Business Purposes

Commercial Secured Bridging Loans for Business

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Farm Business

NFU launches 10-year vision for the beef sector to help build confidence

NFU launches 10-year vision for the beef sector to help build confidence

NFU livestock board chair David Barton said with investment from the Government and the entire supply chain, the beef sector could meet 'growing global demand, while aligning with climate and environment ambitions'

Rachael Brown
clock 16 April 2025 • 2 min read
Gov announces £46m for innovative ag tech

Gov announces £46m for innovative ag tech

New funding will look at ways to reduce emissions and develop precision breeding

clock 16 April 2025 • 2 min read
Change is needed to ensure farm assurance fit for the 'modern farming environment', says NFU chief

Change is needed to ensure farm assurance fit for the 'modern farming environment', says NFU chief

The NFU responds to the UK Farm Assurance Review recommendations

Rachael Brown
clock 15 April 2025 • 4 min read