- A University of Oxford study revealed that organic and free-range eggs are twice as environmentally damaging as those produced by caged chickens.
- Shifting entirely to organic free-range egg production would increase carbon emissions by 60 per cent and nearly double the land required for poultry.
- This higher environmental impact is due to free-range chickens being less efficient layers, necessitating more birds and feed to yield the same quantity of eggs.
- The research also indicated that organic free-range farming has higher chicken mortality rates, linked to increased exposure to disease, injuries, and feather pecking.
- Researchers highlighted the complex trade-offs between animal welfare, environmental impact, and food production in egg farming, noting the study used data from 2009-2010.
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