Livestock agency to promote production of cage-free eggs
The Department of Livestock Development is working on new standards to keep laying hens out of cages in a move to make the production of eggs as cruelty free as possible.
Sorawit Thaneto, the department’s director-general, said this standard was in line with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standard and will be enforced to lift production standards to meet global demand in the future.
"This standard focuses on animal welfare, so hens can live stress-free lives and stay healthy,” he said. “This will also stop farmers from having to use antibiotics and other chemicals.
“According to the consumption of eggs in the European Union in 2017, the value of cage-free eggs was worth more than Bt50 billion, because consumers prefer consuming eggs from cage-free farms,” he said.
“Many European countries as well as Australia are encouraging farmers to let their laying hens run free, so we expect the demand for cage-free eggs to rise.”
He also said that in Thailand, many big businesses such as Tesco Lotus and McDonald’s have announced that they will only buy eggs from cage-free farms.
Those interested in opening cage-free egg farms can call the Bureau of Livestock Standards and Certification at (02) 653 4444 ext 3133. Cage-free eggs can be bought at most supermarkets and stores nationwide.