Changes to RSPCA’s Laying Hen Standards confirmed

Gary Ford from the British Free Range Egg Producers Association: “We welcome the fact that nearly 18 months after the RSPCA amended laying hen welfare standards were announced that the new standards have been finalised.” Photo: Henk Riswick

A long-running row between UK free-range egg producers and RSPCA Assured over the installation timeframe of windows for natural daylight to be introduced has finally come to an end.

Following nearly 18 months of negotiations, the farm animal welfare assurance scheme has finalised new standards with industry. Although the requirement for natural daylight remains, the timeframe for installation has been relaxed.

In a letter to the RSPCA Assured membership, assistant director of Certification and Assurance, Neil Scott, highlighted the changes to policy: “Either at the time of refurbishment cycle or by 1 January 2035 (whichever is sooner), free-range members must provide 3% natural daylight to hens. When carrying out planned internal refurbishments, free-range members must include the extension of pop holes or light inlets (i.e., windows) within the current structural framework of the house to meet 3% natural daylight.”

He added: “From 1 October 2025, free-range members building a new house or conducting major structural refurbishments to an existing house, must provide 3% natural daylight through windows. This is in addition to the natural daylight provided through pop holes.

The letter continued to say that from 1 October 2025, all free-range hens must have access to natural daylight through their pop holes during housing orders in the event of an AI outbreak. In order to achieve this, producers could put clear material over pop holes, rather than closing them, when birds need to be rehoused during the natural daylight period, the letter said. If hens are placed before 1 October, members can wait until they depopulate and place the next flock to meet this requirement.

Derogation period

In addition to the extended implementation timetable, a further derogation period of up to 5 years could allow farms who cannot reasonably or realistically refurbish their sheds by 2035 until 1 January 2040 to comply. But producers will need to wait to determine whether such a derogation could apply to them, with the application process not due to open until June 2034.

The new edition of the standards come into full effect from 11 July, some 16 months after the initial implementation date announced back in November 2023.

British free-range egg producers in support

Gary Ford, head of Strategy and Producer Engagement for the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA), backed the changes:

“We welcome the fact that nearly 18 months after the RSPCA amended laying hen welfare standards were announced that the new standards have been finalised. BFREPA, along with other industry representatives, have worked diligently and determinedly over that period to convey the strength of feeling of our members and that we need a pragmatic and workable outcome.”

He added: “The RSPCA rightly paused the implementation of the original standards to engage with industry to explore a way forward. We believe that the outcome of the discussions meets our aims, whilst at the same time, keeping the RSPCA as part of the free-range sector – a sector that stands for higher welfare which differentiates ourselves from other systems of production and imported product.”

Ford concluded that at a time of great uncertainty and threats from overseas eggs, produced to different standards, this is “crucially important to help secure our future and confidence in our sector”.

Other changes

Existing barn houses must provide 3% natural daylight from 1 May 2032, with new builds incorporating windows from 1 October 2025. From 1 May 2030, all barn houses must have verandas installed. Free-range houses have no requirement for verandas.

Away from the subject of natural light, discussion between the stakeholder groups has led to some compromise. Fences within the range are no longer required to have a 45cm gap beneath them. Instead, there is no prescriptive measure beyond ensuring the birds are not restricted in their access of the range.

Trees, shrubs and cover crops

Farmers have been given an additional year, until 1 May 2027, to extend natural cover on the range to 20% to allow members 2 full planting seasons to grow the required trees, shrubs and cover crops.

The RSPCA is aware that in some regions it is difficult to grow trees and shrubs. Members in this situation are encouraged to contact their farming and technical engagement team so that they can provide expert advice on alternatives that will work for their specific environment. They will also provide members with examples of natural cover and help guide them on how to implement the standard. They will develop these with the help of the producer working group.

Pop hole heights greater than 40cm from the floor in existing sheds required that birds were given ramps or platforms to ease access outside. This threshold has been increased by 5cm, as has the equivalent maximum measure in new houses, now 25cm not 20cm.

Good news, says British Egg Industry Council

Nick Allen, CEO of the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) commented: “The British Egg Industry Council is pleased that RSPCA Assured has listened to the industry’s concerns following a prolonged period of lobbying. It is good news for everyone that the revised RSPCA Assured standards have now been finalised, offering a sensible, pragmatic solution that is workable for producers.”

He added: “The BEIC is committed to ensuring that the UK continues to lead the world in free-range egg production. The industry has been proactive in meeting the increased demand from consumers and it is important that all organisations continue to collaborate to ensure the sector remains successful.”

Implementation is down to the industry

BFREPA chairman James Baxter said: “We’ve now completed our period of consultation, and the implementation is down to us as industry. From this point, we at BFREPA will engage with packers, processors, retailers and food service outlets to understand their needs, aiming to secure the market clarity required to support the investment these new standards mandate.”