Cage-free future is economically viable, farmers and experts report

Farmers, policy-makers, and animal welfare organizations are advocating for a transition to cage-free farming systems, highlighting the benefits for animals, consumers, and the economy. Despite a commitment by the European Commission in 2021 to phase out cages, legislative proposals have not yet been introduced, leaving around 300 million animals still kept in cages in the EU each year. The Common Agricultural Policy currently allows public money to be invested in caged systems, hindering farmers from transitioning to more modern and humane practices.

A new report by the Institute for European Environmental Policy emphasizes that transitioning away from caged farming is feasible with the right support and financial investment. Farmers showcased their successful transition to cage-free systems and called on the European Commission to ensure fair competition with equivalent standards on imports. MEPs from various political parties also emphasized the need for swift legislative proposals to end the cage age and provide financial support for farmers transitioning to cage-free systems.