The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) hascalled for public comment on the proposed Egg Standard Australia,the controversial industry standard that would allow increases tothe stocking densities of free range layer hens in Australia. The Australian Egg Corporation, which represents commercial eggproducers in Australia, has made an application to register acertification trade mark. The application includes amendments tothe Farm Standards for Egg Producers. The Australian Egg Corporation's proposed new standard wouldallow an increase in stocking density for layer hens to 20,000birds per hectare. The current Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals onlyallows for a maximum of 1,500 hens per hectare (but states anyhigher bird density is acceptable only where regular rotationof birds onto fresh range areas occurs and close management isundertaken which provides some continuing fodder cover ). In summary, the proposed standards: will cover on-farm practices relating to the rearing ofpullets (where layer chicks are purchased and reared until they aredispatched to egg laying facilities), and the production of eggsfrom laying hens (including caged eggs, barn-laid eggs, free rangeeggs and specialist eggs). address food safety, biosecurity, animal welfare, productlabelling (grading and packaging) and environmental management. are intended to meet, and in sorne aspects supersede, currentinternational egg standards. Stocking density proposal faces criticism The AECL s call to lift the cap on stocking densities haspreviously been met with criticism from the Free Range FarmersAssociation (FRFA), a not-for-profit group of commercial eggfarmers operating in the State of Victoria. The FRFA promotes a stocking density limit of 750 hens per hectarefor eggs to qualify as free range. Likewise, a media statement from lobby group Humane Choice said, It appears the intention of the AECL was to present a standard tothe ACCC that suited the larger industrialized producers whileseriously marginalizing the genuine free range farmer. We can onlytrust that the ACCC has recognised this and also acknowledged thatthe consumer will disadvantaged if this standard were to ever makeit into the marketplace. Submissions to the ACCC are required by 20th June 2012 and can belodged by email to adjudication@accc.gov.au. I am an expert from doormat-carpet.com, while we provides the quality product, such as Fake Grass Lawns , Anti-slip Floor Mats, Entry Door Mats,and more.
Related Articles -
Fake Grass Lawns, Anti-slip Floor Mats,
|