Cawdor egg farm plans approved
A farm near Inverness has had plans for a new free range egg farm approved.
Meikle Geddes farm, known for their Gedeggs free range egg service, is looking to double its current egg production.
Two units each accommodating 16,000 egg-laying hens form part of a £1.8 million investment in the farm.
In its application, it explains its decision to go free range comes due to customer choices and a pledge from major supermarkets to go cage free.
It said the free range egg business is “without doubt the most prosperous and rapidly growing market in the livestock industry today.”
The farm is a couple of miles from Cawdor, with claims the new development would see the creation of two new jobs.
The current farm is more than 500 acres and includes a mix of animal and farm work.
Egg-laying hens were first brought to the farm in 2009.
The application states: “The recent increased demand for free-range eggs necessitates a significant expansion within the industry to meet consumer expectations and sustain market growth.
“With an increasing focus on animal welfare and sustainable farming practices, more consumers are opting for free-range eggs over conventionally produced ‘barn’ eggs.”
It adds that the need for more egg production is an “urgent necessity” as supply cannot currently meet demand.
The full plans can be viewed here.
