Standard for Responsible Egg Farming Set
US - In the aftermath of the ABC News "20/20" Sparboe Farms investigation, Vital Farms' place at the forefront of humane, environmentally responsible egg farming is more important than ever. As the only national purveyor of pasture-raised, organic eggs in the US, Vital Farms provides the healthiest and most natural environment possible for their birds.
6 December 2011
2 minute read
In complete contrast with 98 per cent of all US egg farms, Vital Farms' hens live outdoors on open pasture, year round, compared to industrial egg farms, where a hen cannot stand at full height or spread her wings. Birds have the freedom to move and forage, which results in a far more humane, nutritious and delicious egg.
"As a result, the eggs these hens produce are superior in nutrient content. This is only enhanced by the outdoor lifestyle they enjoy, which is cleaner, less stressful and competitive, and full of Vitamin D courtesy of the sun," said Jason Jones, Vital Farms President and COO.
"When the consumer thinks of free range, they think the chickens are out running around in pasture but that's not usually the case. Laying hens should live outdoors and have access to shelter, rather than the other way around – living indoors with supposed access to the outdoors," continued Mr Jones.
Vital Farms eggs come from 14 family farms located in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Georgia. Each farm follows strict standards of pasture raising and organic farming, which include moving birds frequently onto fresh, Certified Organic pasture and allowing birds to exhibit their natural behaviors; running, perching, wing flapping, foraging and roosting.
"Happy hens lay great eggs," states Vital Farms CEO, Matt O'Hayer.
