The NFU has welcomed news that RSPCA Assured has made a number of amendments and concessions to the new standards for laying hens, including a 16-month extension in the implementation of these new standards and the removal of the requirement for verandas for all free-range producers.

The news comes after pressure from the NFU and other poultry sector organisations, who have been asking for poultry producers to be at the heart of standard development and assurances that any new standards are based on sound scientific evidence.

Getting the best outcome for producers

The NFU, together with other sector stakeholders, have been engaging with RSPCA Assured to look at the scheme’s plans since they announced their new standards for laying hens in November 2023.

Our ask has always been for a pause on any new standards until proper consultation has taken place, which includes the need for relevant science and evidence to demonstrate a benefit to bird welfare and where appropriate UK based commercial scale trials.

The NFU will continue to engage with RSPCA Assured to make sure that science and evidence underpins any actions seeking to improve bird welfare.