#eggs #organic

A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford suggests that producing organic and free range eggs may have a greater impact on the environment than eggs produced by hens kept in conventional cage systems. According to the research if all egg production switched to organic and free range farming carbon emissions could increase by about 60%. The amount of land needed for egg production would also nearly double. The researchers estimated that producing only organic and free range eggs would release around 2.316 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gases. In comparison producing eggs only from caged hens would generate about 1.184 million tonnes. The study explains that while organic and free range systems are often considered better for animal welfare they require more hens to produce the same number of eggs.  This is because hens kept in cage systems generally lay eggs more efficiently. Researchers also warned that organic and free range farming may require more land and could have a greater impact on water pollution. The study’s lead author, Dr. Harriet Bartlett said that future decisions about egg production should carefully balance three important factors animal welfare environmental impact and the need to produce enough food.