The RSPCA believes that consumers are not only becoming more aware of sustainability and humane issues but are starting to make purchasing decisions based on them.

One of these issues is caged eggs. The industry traditionally uses cages to give the best and most efficient production, however there are many who believe that eggs should be from free range hens.

If you stand in front of the gg display in your supermarket, you will seen an increasing amount of free range (and organic) eggs available. Customers are voting with their wallets and increasingly choosing free range eggs. Supermarkets are reacting to this demand.

The hospitality and manufacturing industries are also starting to make the same decision and purchase free range in preference to caged eggs as part of their developing sustainability programs.

Hope Bertram, Marketing Manager – RSPCA Humane Food, said; “Certainly, five years ago we would never have seen this level of engagement. Whether it’s based on a genuine interest in animal welfare or simply taking advantage of a market opportunity, with more businesses sourcing cage-free eggs the result will be the same – an improvement in conditions for all farm animals.”

The RSPCA has an award called the Good Egg Award to recognise businesses that are using cage free eggs. Receiving this award would certainly be a plus in any sustainability program.

Nominations for the 2011 RSPCA Good Egg Awards are now open, go to www.rspca.org.au/good-egg-award.html