Hillandale Farms: What Does Free-Range Mean?

 

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Hillandale Farms discusses the different legal standards for defining free-range eggs worldwide.

Hillandale Farms on How Countries Define Free-Range Eggs

In general, free-range eggs are eggs from hens that are allowed access to outdoor space. However, the term "free-range" may have different definitions depending on the country. In addition, governmental agencies worldwide have different legal standards defining free-range eggs.

In the U.K., eggs are labeled organic if free-range hens produce them. In addition, hens must be fed an organic diet that is free of GMOs and chemicals. Free-range systems are quite common in the U.K. Hens are housed in barns, but they also have access to an outside range with vegetation during the daytime. 


In the U.S., the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires free-range farms to prove that hens have access to the outdoors, but there are no legal standards that define the quality of the external environment. The amount of time the hen must have outdoors is also unclear. Many American producers label their eggs "cage-free" instead of "free range," but the definition is the same. The term "barn-roaming" has also become commonly used recently. It accurately describes hens that are allowed to roam freely within a large shed and are not caged. The eggs that barn-roaming hens produce are often called barn-laid eggs.


Free-range eggs have been a cause of debate in the U.S. Egg industry groups are concerned that the shift from caged to free-range eggs will drastically increase the price, and some consumers may not be able to afford them. Free-range eggs are typically more expensive due to the costs of production. However, animal welfare advocates argue that there are several ways to make the hens' housing cheap. They believe that the price of eggs will remain almost the same if cost-effective methods are used. Small-scale farmers and producers say they will practice free-range farming if consumers want.


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In 2012, Australian Eggs, the major marketer of eggs in Australia, attempted to register a trademark allowing 20,000 birds per hectare. It was opposed by animal welfare groups and some consumer rights groups because birds would have to live in crowded or cramped spaces. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission commented that the "proposed standards may mislead consumers about the nature of eggs described as 'free range.'"


In 2013, the Queensland government increased the maximum number of hens per hectare from 1,500 to 10,000.


In April 2017, the Australian Government passed a law that mandated a maximum of 10,000 hens per hectare in outdoor grazing areas. The law also states that hens must have "regular and meaningful" outdoor access.

Started in 1958 as an egg reselling company, Hillandale Farmsnow raises over 20 million chickens for eggs and is one of the top five egg producers in the United States. The family-owned and operated company prioritizes the safety and conditions of its birds. Read similar posts by visiting this  blogsite. 

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