Ministers finally to decide on 'free range' standard

We understand that all State Ministers for Consumer Affairs/Fair Trading will meet this Friday (June12) to decide on a standard or legal definition for free range egg production. If they reach agreement, the standard will apply nationally. It is not known what drafts have been prepared for the Ministers to consider, but it is hoped that any enforceable standard will be based on the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals (Domestic Poultry)which sets limits on stocking densities and prohibits beak trimming as a normal procedure. It will be useful if the standard reflects the voluntary standard in South Australia, and the Federal Court ruling on free range egg production.