Egg farmers have suffered a major setback after one of the leading supermarkets in the country changed the supply chain policy.
In a notice, the retailer - a global franchise - stated that it will only sell cage-free eggs and eggs produced under ‘humane’ conditions, a move that will see thousands of farmers who practise battery farming locked out of the market.
The retailer's parent company announced that it will only source eggs from suppliers who adhere to the new policy.
“Under our commitment to lead in all markets we operate, we pledge to only sell cage-free eggs across our franchise under a first-of-its-kind in the region Animal Health and Welfare Policy developed in partnership with the Human League,” read the retailer's statement in part.
The statement further indicated that the move was in a bid to promote alternative and sustainable systems including cage-free, outdoor access, free-range systems and organic feeds.
The retailer, however, noted that the suppliers in the region will be assisted to meet the set standards.
“We will be putting in place audits to see if the policy is being implemented and if they need assistance because we understand it is a process.”
Cage farming gained traction among Kenyan farmers who argue that it saves on space and improves egg production.
Moreover, some say that the method makes it easier to keep track of the layers and manage spread of diseases.
However, animal protection groups say it is a form of animal cruelty that causes stress and diseases to the birds.
Dr. Victor Yamo, campaign manager at World Animal Protection, stated that the battery cage system in the country only seems more favorable compared to the poor production system, giving farmers an illusion of productivity.
“The birds step on wire mesh and it stands on it for the rest of its life. It doesn’t have the capacity nor the space to lie down and that leaves the bird with a lot of wounds,” stated Yamo.
He further added that the birds are denied exercise and sunlight which makes their bones weak.
Globally, food companies have committed to cage-free eggs production and animal friendly farming practices in their supply chains.
Global standards include access to sunlight, proper care and humane slaughter.
The supermarket announcement could spur change in local farming practices, especially those in large-scale production of eggs where incubators are used for mass and faster production.
