This survey of eight members states of the European Union (EU) presents an overview of the differences in egg production and housing systems currently in use among these countries, as well as long term forecasts of egg production. Growth in the use of alternative systems is apparent over the last several years and proliferation of these systems is predicted to continue within the EU.

Findings from this survey of EU countries with a combined total of 214 million laying hens (60% of EU hens) indicated that two-thirds of all laying hens were kept in cages in 2010 compared to 92% in 1996. Other systems utilized included barn systems (20%), free range (10%), and organic (3-4%). More specifically, over 90% of German eggs were produced in alternative systems, a dramatic increase from the 40% noted in 2008. Growth of the use of alternative systems is expected to continue within all countries, with higher implementation expected in the United Kingdom (free-range) and in the Netherlands (barn production). A transition from conventional cages to enriched cages is anticipated in Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Spain in 2012. Overall, the use of cage systems is expected to decrease from 43% to 13% in the Netherlands, from 78% to 6% in France, and from 50% to 40% in the United Kingdom in 2012.

By the year 2025, experts predict there will be an increase in egg consumption due to the egg’s nutritional profile and less consumer concern with cholesterol. Processed egg products will also likely experience growth due to the general trend toward convenience foods; the use of alternative systems for processed egg products will also likely grow along with consumer interest in animal friendly food products.