A survey from Australian Egg’s Sustainability Framework Community found that 70 per cent of Australians agree that egg farmers manage their environmental impacts effectively.
However, despite being one of the nation’s lowest carbon-producing animal protein industries, the industry is still seeking ways to improve sustainability.
Australian Eggs managing director Rowan McMonnies, said the Sustainability Framework Survey showed where the industry needed to improve.
“We know that Australians expect ongoing improvement when it comes to environmental practices,” Mr McMonnies said.
“Sustainability is about more than just the environment.
“It also considers the economic viability and long-term productivity of a farm and ensuring the Australian community continues to have access to a nutritious and affordable food source.”
Australian Eggs is working with the nation’s egg industry on improving farming practices through research and technology.
Egg producers are now implementing energy efficient technologies, range regeneration strategies, renewable energy solutions, and on-farm composting programs in pursuit of waste reduction and improved environmental sustainability.
Many farms are employing a number of innovative technologies.
“The future of egg industry sustainability is technology and automation,” Mr McMonnies said.
A Seymour egg producer is leading the way in such innovation.
Valley Park Eggs owner Morry Wroby said there was a lot of investment being made on-farm to reduce carbon impact.
“Consumers expect industries to be moving forward and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Wroby said.
“We have a lot of investments going into how we can compost and utilise our manure for fertiliser, and changing the hen’s diet.
“We’re also actively looking at a reduction of consumables, and solar installations across our farms.”
Across the company’s 12-farm operation, robotics, technology and automation are also being utilised to improve efficiencies in energy use and production.
“We use a lot of automation in the grading process. The eggs are delivered to the grading floor where we have robots of various capabilities, and then we have systems where we are able to immediately wash plastic trays, dividers and pallets,” he said.
“It’s the right thing to do.”
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