As of 2012, a ban is due on battery cages for laying hens. But countries making the switch are facing imports from non-complying countries and others are lobbying for a delay
by NORMAN DUNN
The complications of changing farming policies within a 27-country common market are being underscored once again in the European Union (EU).
The bell rang for round one in this particular battle 11 years ago when the European parliament decided that battery cages for layers would be phased out before January 1, 2012. The system to be stopped featured the “Eurocage” (550 square centimetres of floor per bird).