July 18, 2023
The national update to the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry, endorsed by State agriculture ministers last week, has been met with mixed reactions by egg producers.
Both the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and the Queensland United Egg Producers (QUEP) are carefully considering the ramifications, especially the decision to leave the deadline to phase out cage egg production up to individual States.
“While QFF welcomes the update of the standards and guidelines following many years of uncertainty for the egg and poultry industries, the update to the guidelines has left cage egg producers very much in a state of uncertainty,” QFF CEO Jo said.
As part of the update on the welfare guidelines, cage egg production will be phased out but each State has been left to decide the timeframe for this transition.
A previous draft had set the deadline by 2036, 10 years earlier than industry had requested.
“QFF strongly supports industry’s request for a 2046 deadline to ensure that producers are given enough time to make the necessary adjustments to their operations,” Ms Sheppard said.
“With cage eggs currently making up approximately 50 per cent of the nation’s total egg production, phasing out cage egg production too quickly, or indeed unnecessarily, will place significant strain on producers who are already battling increasing input costs, workforce shortages and supply chain delays, while trying to meet market demand.
“Consumers across the country are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Eggs remain one of the best, and most affordable, sources of protein, and a premature end to caged egg production will mean consumers will be paying more for their eggs at the checkout.
“There is also the risk of Australian egg producers not being able to meet demand until conversions have been fully implemented, thus increasing the risk of retailers requesting importation of fresh eggs for sale.”
QUEP CEO John Coward said Queensland egg producers had been left frustrated.
“We are pleased the process is reaching its conclusion after years of uncertainty that has led to poor investment and shortages for the egg industry in Australia,” Mr Coward said.
“However, it is now absolutely appropriate that the industry would expect that they could get a sense of clarity at this critical juncture by authorities in each State harmonising the date of banning conventional cage egg production.
“Variations in a phase out date for each State will impact how the standards and guidelines are practically implemented along with the associated legislation, which could lead to variances in how each State can meet supply demands impacting fair competition in the national market.”
Mr Coward said the egg industry was looking forward to working with the Queensland Government to establish clarity on the phase out.
“We would request that due consideration is given to a phase out deadline of 2046, given that a timeframe less than this would result in significant compensation needed for our producers,” he said.
