EU perching rule could cost millions
Egg producers fear European regulators are getting ready to enforce legislation regarding perches on free-range units in England and Wales, which could cost farmers millions of pounds.
A study by the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) published in March of this year included comments challenging the current interpretation of legislation relating to perches in free range.
In England and Wales a slatted floor may be considered a “perch” while in Scotland and Northern Ireland perches must be 15cm off the ground with birds able to wrap their claws around it. The FVO said that the UK should have a single, common interpretation, along the lines of Scottish and Northern Irish systems.
In its response to the FVO’s concerns, DEFRA said the Directive did not define a perch and “it is possible that regions of the UK may pass legislation through their parliament or assemblythat varies from England”.
Also DEFRA cited research from the University of Bristol which found that birds with access to elevated perches had an increased likelihood of bone breakages. It also pointed to wording within the Directive which allowed for alternative systems “while studies on the welfare of laying hens in various systems of rearing are carried out”.
But recently an interpretation of the legislation was presented to DEFRA by Andrea Gavinelli from the EU Commission’s animal welfare unit, which ruled out the use of slats.
“Part of a slatted floor cannot constitute a perch under Directive 1999/74/EC since the floor is not elevated so as to adequately satisfy the behavioural needs of the animals,” the presentation stated. “Perches can meet the needs of the animals only when they are elevated, as confirmed by the scientific assessment.”
DEFRA told Poultry World it was an ongoing issue that was being investigated by the department. But free-range egg producers fear that, if the EU’s interpretation is enforced in England and Wales, they will have to spend millions of pounds upgrading their sheds.
Vice-chairman of the British Free-Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) Jeff Vergerson said his organisation wouldn’t have a formal position on perches until after its 13 July board meeting, but he believes they will support the current system.