Eco Eggs Co-Operative

cage-free | cruelty-free

ABOUT US

Eco Eggs Co-operative (EEC) is dedicated to supporting cage-free poultry farms. Our mission is to provide farmers with the expertise, training, and resources they need to turn their sustainable, cage-free operations into thriving businesses. We help farmers enhance the quality of their eggs, access broader markets, and differentiate their products in India’s 140+ billion-strong egg market.

EEC bridges the gap between corporates, consumers, and cage-free egg producers, catering to the increasing demand for ethical, high-quality eggs. Our efforts also uplift small and free-range farmers, empower rural communities, and champion sustainable and humane farming practices.

What is Cage-Free?

Layer hens used in the egg industry are typically housed in battery cages, which are barren wire-mesh enclosures that confine 4-5 birds per cage. These cruel housing systems severely restrict their ability to move, provides no opportunities for natural behaviors or enrichment, and greatly compromises the physical and psychological well-being of the hens. This inhumane practice is increasingly being challenged around the world, leading to bans on battery cages in the European Union and several states in the USA.

In contrast, cage-free poultry farming offers a more humane and sustainable alternative. Cage-free systems allow hens to roam freely within a barn, enabling them to engage in natural behaviors such as perching, dust bathing, foraging and nesting. Besides improving welfare, these enriched environments lead to the production of higher-quality eggs. Cage-free farms often include outdoor access, allowing hens to forage and enjoy fresh air and sunlight, further enhancing their quality of life.

WHY IS CAGE-FREE A BETTER
CHOICE FOR POULTRY PRODUCERS?

A global transition is happening in egg consumption, as corporate companies, retail chains and consumers join the cage-free movement. The global cage-free market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2021-2028.

Studies show there is a shift in consumer preferences towards higher welfare food products such as cage-free eggs, which ensure better living conditions for the animals involved.

A growing concern for ethical consumption has also resulted in a shift in institutional consumption patterns. Hundreds of food corporations, including those located in India, are committing to use only cage-free eggs within the decade.

Cage-free farming practices are gaining traction globally as consumers become aware of animal welfare issues and demand ethically produced food.

By choosing cage-free eggs, consumers can support a farming system that prioritizes the well-being of the hens, promotes environmental sustainability, and produces healthier, more nutritious eggs. This shift towards cage-free farming represents a positive step forward in the quest for more humane and responsible food production practices.