A GROUP of low-density free range producers have already been marketing their vision of free range.
John and Ange Rohde, Rohde Farms, Tarlee, are part of a collective of producers who include a sticker on their cartons advising consumers that their layer hens are run at a density of 1500 a hectare.
John said there were about a dozen producers in SA who would be eligible to include the sticker on their cartons, with about eight taking up the opportunity.
He believes the state government's code sticker would replace that, but is hoping it will include education for consumers.
"Education is needed so people know what to look for," John said.
He said the code had been in the process for about three years.
"It was up and running, was put away and now it is up and going again," he said of the steps taken by the government to bring in a code.
He said the issue had been going on too long.
"Industry has to make some decisions - it needs to be balanced," he said.
The Rohdes converted their egg production to free range in the 1990s and produce about 44,000 eggs a day.
Elizabeth Anderson
Stock Journal's magazine editor.
Stock Journal's magazine editor.
