Situation on the market of eggs from non-cage production systems

Abstract

The objective of the study is to determine the share of eggs from non-cage production systems compared to eggs from cage systems, in the year when the extended transitional period expires (December 2023) for Serbian producers to comply with the welfare legislation, mandating the transition from the conventional cage breeding system to permitted systems (enriched cage system and non-cage systems (floor, aviary, free breeding - free ranges, organic production). Also, the objective of the study is to determine the structure of consumers within the group valueing the breeding system, which declares that it prefers free range eggs and organic eggs. The examination of the Belgrade market supply of eggs, including supermarkets (11), green markets (5) and specialized stores (5), and consumer attitudes was conducted through a survey (247 respondents in the Belgrade region). According to the results of the survey, it can be concluded that the supply of eggs from non-cage systems is minor, compared to eggs from the cage system, which have a share of 100%, it is 81.82% for eggs from the floor system, 54.54% for eggs from free range and 9.10% for organic eggs. The supply of organic eggs on the market is insufficient and mainly associated with specialized stores. For about 30% of consumers, the egg production system is very important, whereby the majority of consumers (53.45%) would prefer the eggs from free ranges, and among them the largest share are women (76.03%), consumers with higher education (67.10%), employed (78.38%), aged 36-55 and with higher monthly incomes. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the process of harmonizing egg production with welfare regulations has an impact on the egg market, i.e. resulting in changes in the sense of greater share of eggs from non-cage systems compared to similar research in the earlier period. At the same time, although there is a growing awareness among consumers about the importance of the production/rearing system, it is still insufficient compared to certain European countries. The development of non-cage systems, as more favourable from the point of view of welfare and consumer expectations, should be given greater attention in the coming period, by acting through regulatory measures, education of producers and consumers, research and support in terms of incentives, subsidies and loans to producers who switch to alternative systems of raising laying hens.