Consumer, animal groups shunned in O’Farrell govt’s free-range forum

The O’Farrell government has rejected calls from consumer group Choice and animal welfare organisation RSPCA to be involved in an egg labelling forum in an attempt to sneak through a hollow egg labelling policy that will fail to protect consumers and free-range farmers, according to Greens MP John Kaye.

Greens MP John Kaye said: “The forum was never intended to stop the exploitation of consumers and genuine free-range farmers.

“The forum’s membership, timeline and internal processes were carefully crafted to guarantee an ineffective outcome that leaves the big industrial producers unconstrained by a legislated definition of free range.

“Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson wanted to create a smokescreen to hide the industrial egg producers’ push to stop a legislated definition of free range eggs.

“The big industrial producers were clearly scared by the successful passage of the Greens Truth in Labelling Bill through the NSW upper house. Their absurd definitions of free-range and the handsome profits they bring are at risk.

“The Minister obliged with a process that gives only the illusion of protection for consumers and free range farmers.

“Consumers who are prepared to pay more for an egg produced without cruelty and the welfare of laying hens have been sacrificed to placate the interests of agribusiness,” Dr Kaye said.

For more information:    John Kaye 0407 195 455