News

SEPRA unveils new corporate look and website...
July 20th, 2011: The Scottish Egg Producer Retailers' Association has unveiled a new corporate image and re-launched its website. SEPRA, which represents the Scottish egg industry, appointed Newton Stewart-based firm Great-Value-Websites.Com to re-brand the website which includes a striking new logo. SEPRA Secretary, Dennis Surgenor said that a revamp of the website was long overdue and he was delighted that the organisation would go forward with a sharp new image reflecting its role in representing the Scottish egg industry to Government, consumers and the media.
'Inferior welfare' egg imports should be banned...
February 21st, 2011: Eggs produced from chickens kept in inferior conditions should be banned to protect the Scottish industry from cheap imports. The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead has demanded that a ban is imposed on exports of eggs from countries which fail to adhere to strict European welfare rules on battery cages, due to come into force in 2012. The move follows concerns by the Scottish industry that some member states may fail to meet the deadline set in 1999 and that an extension to implement the new rules may be granted. This would put Scottish producers at a competitive disadvantage following considerable investment by the industry in replacing barren cages with new enriched cages or changing to the barn or free range systems. Richard Lochhead raised his concerns with Defra Minister Caroline Spelman, demanding that the Scottish position was made absolutely clear to the Commission. "The Scottish egg industry has invested considerable sums converting their systems to ensure we meet the strictest possible welfare standards. "Some member states are claiming that, despite having had more than a decade to comply, they will not be able to make the changes needed in time. If these states are granted an extension at the 11th hour it could place our industry at a serious competitive disadvantage. "A ban on exports from non-compliant member states would be essential." The Commission has requested that member states report on progress made by their respective industries in complying with the legislation by April. The European Commission announced, in 1999, that the use of barren or battery cages for laying hens would be banned from January 1, 2012. Member States were advised that only enriched cages - which should include a perch, scratching area and nest box - would be permitted from that date.
Scottish egg industry worth over £42m...
March 15th, 2011: Scotland's egg industry accounted for 1.9% of agricultural output in 2010 at a value of £42.7 million, according to the latest Scottish Government figures. The poultry industry in Scotland contributed to 3.1% of the nation's agricultural output in 2010 at a value of £72.6 million. In the region of 51 million chickens were processed in 2010. Click here to view the latest Eggs and Chicks (Scotland) Regulations 2010