Egg industry sustainability report

THE opinions of thousands who participated in a CSIRO research program about egg farming in Australia have been addressed in a Sustainability Framework Report for the egg industry. The report, released by the industry’s research body, Australian Eggs, has been developed to help egg farmers understand and respond to evolving community expectations.

Australians eat 245 eggs each a year, and the CSIRO research program was designed to give the community a voice about different aspects of egg farming, according to Australian Eggs’ managing director Rowan McMonnies.

“The CSIRO research identified a number of priority issues such as nutrition, animal husbandry and the carbon footprint of the industry. The report provides context on these issues, identifies progress to date and lists opportunities for ongoing improvement,” Mr McMonnies said. “The next step for the industry is to identify ways to bring these community values to a practical commercial setting and this will be the focus of Australian Eggs’ research program for the new year.”

Bede Burke has farmed in Tamworth, New South Wales, for more than 35 years. He welcomed the launch of the Sustainability Framework as a means of improving understanding of the industry.

“The framework has created a roadmap for egg producers that will help guide the future direction of our businesses,” he said.

“It will also improve the community’s understanding of complex issues such as hen welfare, biosecurity, and the overall economic viability of the egg industry.”

The Sustainability Framework Report completes the first annual cycle of a three-year program of engagement, designed to ensure the industry farms eggs in a manner that is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.

More info at www.australianeggs.org.au.