The British Free Range Egg Producers Association recently announced that a new grant, worth up to £500,000, will be available to laying hen and pullet farmers in England who manage flocks of 1,000 birds or more.
Defra has outlined the details for the Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare grant, which aims to assist poultry farmers with infrastructure improvements to promote better health and welfare for their birds.
The first phase of the grant program will offer funding between £5,000 and £100,000 to support the installation of verandas on existing poultry buildings. These additions are intended to improve the living conditions for hens by providing extra space and alleviating welfare issues such as feather pecking.
A more substantial grant, ranging from £15,000 to £500,000, will be available for farmers seeking to refurbish or completely replace their current laying hen and pullet housing. This larger grant is intended to help farmers modernize their facilities to meet high standards of health and welfare, including the installation of bio-secure multi-tier housing, non-flicker LED lighting, and mechanical ventilation. Additionally, funding for roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is included, and verandas can also be part of these comprehensive projects.
A spokesperson from Defra emphasized the direct correlation between the welfare of livestock and the economic success of farmers. “The recent challenges in the poultry sector highlight the need for better housing solutions. Many farmers want to upgrade their facilities but face financial barriers,” the spokesperson noted.
Verandas are particularly beneficial as they provide hens with access to fresh air and natural light, especially important during periods when outdoor ranging is restricted by housing orders. These structures can also reduce crowding within indoor spaces, promoting better welfare and behavior among the birds.
Grants for the veranda projects will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring prompt support for farmers ready to make immediate improvements.
The second, larger grant aims to support significant upgrades or replacements of existing housing systems, encouraging farmers to transition from outdated colony cages to more welfare-friendly loose-housing systems.
Defra has announced that applications for these grants will open next month, providing an opportunity for farmers to enhance their operations and improve the living conditions for their hens. This initiative is supported by the Canadian Poultry Research Council, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan.
