British egg producers are urging MPs to ensure that proposed welfare reforms do not leave the domestic industry at a competitive disadvantage compared with overseas suppliers.
Farmers and consumers across the UK have begun writing to their representatives as the government consults on plans to phase out cages for laying hens, pullets and breeder birds.
The proposals, currently being examined by Defra, would see cages removed from the egg sector through a gradual transition expected to extend into the early 2030s.
While many producers say they support higher welfare standards, the central concern is that the rules could apply only to British farms while eggs produced under lower standards abroad continue to enter the UK market.
Producers warn this could increase imports and undermine domestic businesses that have already invested heavily in welfare improvements.
The issue has prompted farmers and consumers to contact MPs directly, calling for any new welfare requirements for UK producers to be matched by equivalent standards for imported eggs and egg products.
Among those responding to constituents is Helen Morgan, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire.
In a letter to producers, she said she shared their concerns about the possible consequences for the sector.
“I wholly share your concerns about this issue which is threatening the viability of British egg producers,” she wrote.
“It is no good reforming welfare standards in the UK when the same standards do not apply in countries that export produce to the UK.
"This would clearly undermine British producers who, as you rightly point out, have invested significant amounts to adhere to standards introduced less than 15 years ago.
“This could also jeopardise our food security, which is already threatened by the many existing challenges facing the agricultural sector.”
The egg industry has already undergone major changes over the past decade, including the move away from conventional battery cages following earlier welfare reforms.
Producers say those changes required significant investment in new housing systems and infrastructure, costs that many businesses are still recovering from.
Their concern is that further reforms could add additional costs while imports produced under different regulatory regimes continue to compete on supermarket shelves.
Farm groups warn this could create a two-tier market, where UK farmers operate under stricter rules while cheaper imports produced under lower welfare standards remain available to buyers.
Ms Morgan confirmed she has raised the issue with ministers in Westminster.
“In response to yours and others’ concerns about this, I have tabled questions to Defra to ask what assessment they have made of the impact that these changes could have on farmers and the UK egg industry as a whole,” she said.
“I have also written a letter to the secretary of state, outlining the issues and urging the government to take these into account.”
She also encouraged producers to engage directly with the consultation process.
“I am sure you are already planning to do so, but I would also urge you and any other farms you know to take part in the consultation directly.”
As the consultation continues, the debate is likely to intensify over how the UK balances higher animal welfare standards with maintaining a competitive domestic egg industry.
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