Canadian eggs will all be cage-free by 2036, farmers vow

Egg Farmers of Canada said Friday that its members will no longer install any new cages and they will begin an industry-wide transition to cage-free production facilities for their hens.

But the shift will take 20 years to complete.

EFC, which represents more than 1,000 commercial egg farms in this country, said it hopes to have 50 per cent of egg production done through non-cage methods within eight years, rising to 85 15 per cent by 2031.

All production would be in alternative housing by 2036, which could include perches, curtained-off areas, free-run, aviary or free-range housing, the group said, calling its timetable "a realistic forecast of what is achievable." 

"In response to the best available scientific research and in light of changing consumer preferences, I'm pleased that the entire industry has agreed to an orderly transition plan that will further diversify our production practices," said Peter Clarke, chairman of Egg Farmers of Canada, in a statement.

Cages now dominate

EFC said about 90 per cent of egg production is currently done using conventional cages.

Animal welfare groups say the cages are so tiny that birds can't walk, spread their wings or engage in other natural behaviours.  

On Thursday, Cara Foods, which owns Harvey's, Swiss Chalet, Kelsey's and East Side Mario's, became the latest food company to announce a switch to 100 per cent cage-free eggs in its entire supply chain. Cara said its new cage-free transition would be complete by 2020.

Earlier this week, the owner of Tim Hortons and Burger King said its supply chain would be completely cage-free by 2025. McDonald's, Wendy's, Starbucks, Subway and dozens of other major food restaurants and retailers have announced similar policies.

"Any food company that has not yet adopted a cage-free policy is simply out of step with consumer expectations and business trends," said Mercy For Animals.

The animal welfare group urged supermarket chains Sobeys, Metro and Loblaws to stop "dragging their feet" and make cage-free egg commitments of their own. 

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