Shanxi Agricultural University and multinational consulting firm Global Food Partners (GFP) have partnered to build China’s first cage-free model farm and training center.
The pair held a ceremony at the Shanxi Agricultural University campus on April 23, 2023, in which they signed the partnership agreement to build the center and model farm.
At the center, producers will have access to training on best practices in cage-free management, sustainability and animal welfare practices. Additionally, the center will provide research and development opportunities that will serve farmers, auditors, veterinarians and other industry stakeholders throughout the region. The model farm will feature a retrofitted egg facility and act as a model for those farmers looking to transition from conventional to cage-free production.
China’s cage-free production is growing
GFP and Shanxi Agricultural University hope these new resources will support the Chinese egg industry during its transition to a greater amount of cage-free production and assist with capacity building. The pair believes the training center and model farm will benefit the country’s egg producers, as they have expressed a need for more training and technical support to transition conventional caged systems or optimize cage-free production systems.
Liu Wenzhong, Shanxi Agricultural University College of Agricultural Standardization Dean, stated: “This project will demonstrate best practices in cage-free egg production and showcase good management for cage-free farms.
Additionally, we will provide cage-free egg production trainings, provide a communication channel for stakeholders and help cage-free farms increase their profits. We hope that this project will promote the collaboration between industry, academia and research, form cage-free egg production standards and promote the sustainable development of cage-free egg production.”
Jayasimha Nuggehalli, GFP Chief Operating Officer, said: “We're thrilled to partner with Shanxi Agricultural University on the country’s first cage-free training center – together we are building a cage-free ecosystem in China that will allow producers to successfully navigate the transition to cage-free eggs and bring together relevant stakeholders to ensure long-term success, sustainability and profitability.”
At the ceremony, the partnership also launched a new resource called “Best Practice Guidelines.” The guidelines make recommendations for cage-free egg production, biosecurity, hen welfare and management and disease control.
