The Soil Association has opened a new consultation on organic standards for laying hens and pullets, in a bid to support organic producers and deliver the best animal welfare outcomes.
New requirements are proposed for environmental enrichment in the hen house, and bringing flock sizes into line with the EU Organic Regulation where maximum flock size will be 3,000.
The changes come in response to new scientific evidence and industry best practice and hope to achieve viable and practical organic egg production for farmers, whilst also having a positive impact on the Soil Associations broad strategy goals, to protect climate and nature, and improve health.
The plans propose to:
Introduce a new higher standard to require enrichment in the house
Bring the Soil Association upper flock size limit for laying hens and pullets in line with the EU and UK Organic Regulation, increasing from 2,000 to 3,000 birds
Clarify that the Soil Association requires the outdoor range to be available within a maximum distance from the house that will encourage good use of the range.
The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and is open until Friday 17 September 2021. Click here to fill in the survey.
Humphrey Feeds and Pullets
Humphrey Feeds and Pullets have helped independent poultry farmers to optimise flock performance, welfare and profit since 1932.
If you have any questions relating to free range egg production, or anything related to it, please email us on enquiries@hfandp.co.uk or call us on 01962 764555.
