Over Half Of Eggs In UK 'Will Be Free-Range Within Five Years'

The increase from the current 33 per cent will follow new EU restrictions on the use of hen cages.

Growing demand from UK retailers is another factor in the expansion of free-range eggs, according to National Farmers' Union poultry board chairman Charles Bourns.

It is expected to account for 55 per cent of British egg production by 2012. This growth will mean another nine million hens being kept in free-range conditions.

Mr Bourns said the extra land for the free-range increase was already causing problems with planning permission.

"People really have to make up their mind whether they want organic, free-range farming. If they do, they have got to stop this nimbyism," he said.

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Source: The Scotsman

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