Cage-free model egg farm and training centre to be built in China

While the demand for cage-free eggs is climbing in China, numerous egg producers have expressed a need for more training and technical support to transition to or optimise their cage-free production systems. A first of its kind in China, Shanxi Agricultural University and Global Food Partners said that the new centre “will give producers the training they need to ensure sustainability, including good welfare practices and a competitive business advantage”.

The centre will aim to provide practical training in best practices in cage-free management, offer a research and development centre and serve farmers, auditors, veterinarians and other industry stakeholders regionwide, the partners announced.

A retrofitted cage

The farm will retrofit a cage facility and will act as a model for those farmers looking to transition from cage to cage-free. At the ceremony where the partnership was formally signed, Liu Wenzhong, dean of the College of Agricultural Standardisation of Shanxi Agricultural University, stated: “This project will demonstrate best practices in cage-free egg production and showcase good management for cage-free farms. Additionally, we will provide cage-free egg production training, as well as a communication channel for stakeholders, and help cage-free farms increase their profits. We hope that this project will promote the collaboration between industry, academia and research, form cage-free egg production standards and promote the sustainable development of cage-free egg production.”

Best practices

At the event, the partners also launched new ‘Best practice guidelines’ for cage-free egg production in the country. The Guidelines outline recommendations for best practices in cage-free egg production, including for biosecurity, hen welfare and management, and disease control.