13th October 2017

The UK’s major retailers’ decision to only source non-cage eggs from 2025 should be the incentive farmers need to diversify into free range egg production according to rural surveyors Roger Parry & Partners.

Statistics from the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) show that the free range egg sector has grown rapidly to occupy about 60% of the market share of retails egg sales, produced by over 20 million hens. With a population increase and steady growth in market share in the years leading up to 2025 it predicts another growth in sales of free range eggs. BFREPA predicts an additional 1.8million hens will be required to fulfil a 5% increase in demand.

Richard Corbett, partner at rural surveyor’s firm Roger Parry & Partners said, “Over the last five years there has been more and more farms diversifying in this way. Farmers, especially Welsh hill farmers, are worried about the price of sheep and beef. This commitment from UK major retailers should be seen as reassurance to current producers but more importantly, as an incentive for those currently considering applying for planning to move into producing free range eggs on their farm.

Richard continued, “Consumer demand for the use of British egg products has increased significantly. According to recent research three quarters of UK shoppers say British eggs should always be used in prepared foods.”

Tom Davies from Lloyds Animal Feeds explains the advantages of free range egg production and why it appeals to those farmers looking to diversify. He said, “Free range egg production has the advantage of being sustainable in the long term, profitable and compatible with other enterprises. It’s not reliant on subsidy, so it is less exposed to government interference, which increases the appeal as Brexit looms. The Lion standard protects the industry from imports as no supermarket will stock non-Lion (effectively non-UK) egg.”

Richard Corbett concluded: “We are keen to work with farmers to help them fulfil the shortfall in UK-produced eggs. With conservative estimates quoting £58 million in new housing and equipment needed to meet this new demand we need to encourage all those that are currently considering free range egg production to come forward.”

To discuss your ideas and plans for free range egg production please contact Richard Corbett at Roger Parry & Partners. Email: richard@rogerparry.net or telephone: 01691 655334.

The photo is of a 56,000 bird free-range unit, near Llansantffraid, courtesy of Martyn and Emma Langford