Poultry (laying)
Poultry production can be a profitable enterprise for organic farmers and eggs are a popular product that can be sold through many outlets - locally and nationally. However, chickens have particular management requirements that may not be obvious to the inexperienced producer.
If managed well, and in systems that promote their health, poultry will thrive in a free-range environment. However, in a poorly designed or managed system a host of problems can arise which are a health and welfare concern, making the enterprise unviable.
Unlike other livestock, poultry breeding is largely the domain of poultry companies who breed commercial laying stock in systems that are housed and not free-range. Organic farmers are generally reliant on these companies for their stock and this may be considered to be at odds with the organic philosophy. Hence, there are particular issues that organic producers must consider and the regulations are changing to require organic breeding. This will clearly have a practical and financial impact on organic egg production.
To find out more about organic poultry production download our free comprehensive introductory guide:
Market information
According to the Soil Association's Organic Market Report 2010, Organic eggs accounted for 4.5% of all eggs sold by volume – and 8% by value. During 2009, organic egg production fell, in response to falling demand. It was a tough year for most producers and some reverted to non-organic free-range production. This helped to maintain a relatively static egg price for much of the year, although average farm gate prices fell by 4% in the final quarter. Some independent producers selling direct to the consumer, or via wholefood and organic shops, reported seeing little of the reported ‘slump’ in organic sales. But for others the picture was quite different, and some reported that sales had dropped by nearly a third early in the year, and only recovered to 80% of 2008 levels by the end of 2009. One of the UK’s largest egg packers says that consumer demand may fall farther in 2010 but predicts that the decline in sales will slow down considerably. As with any business venture, producers who are considering conversion are advised to explore market opportunities from the outset.
Technical information
The Soil Association also produces a range of technical information - including introductory guides and suppliers lists.