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Twenty years ago free-range eggs were rarely sold.
I remember walking to the shops with my nan when I was about eight. I was telling her about the awful life that battery hens lived. She replied. “Well that’s life dear.” I remember saying: “But nan it doesn’t have to be!”
I should add that my nan was really a very nice lady and I know she was not alone in accepting that this was just the way things were.
But when I read the story yesterday about free-range eggs finally outselling battery eggs, it gave me a huge lift.
The Independent reports that animal welfare groups say there has been a quiet revolution in shopping habits since 1995 when 86 per cent of British eggs came from battery cages.
Although battery cages were banned by the European Union on 1 January, their replacement – ‘enriched’ cages, contain perches and litter for pecking and scratching, but give each hen only 750cm squared – little more than a sheet of A4 paper.
Some farmers are thought to have left the business in recent months rather than invest in ‘enriched’ cages, further tilting the balance in favour of free-range.
Several retailers such as Watrose, the Co-op and Marks & Spencer will not stock any eggs from caged birds, but other supermarkets such as Tesco and Morrisons, will sell eggs from enriched cages.
The RSPCA says the rise of free-range sales shows shoppers are prepared to pay more to ensure good animal welfare.
A survey for Countryfile, aired last Sunday, also found that sales of ethically produced goods are on the up, despite the recession.
