As an animal breeding company, we believe that sustainability should be fully integrated through every element of the egg sector and aspire to a global egg value chain that is environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable. We strive to set the standard for sustainable animal breeding and are convinced that our current breeding approaches contribute towards more sustainable egg production. Decades of genetic selection for improved laying hens and innovations and improvements in the entire egg sector have contributed to the fact that egg production is one of the most environmental-friendly forms of agricultural production as hens convert feed into high-quality animal protein very efficiently and require a relatively small land base to do so. However, as a breeding company we are always striving for continuous improvement, and together with the entire egg sector, we have committed to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). In 2015, 193 world leaders committed to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals represent a shared vision to eradicate poverty and social inequality, and tackle climate change by 2030.
Figure 1. 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
We are proud of the improvements that the egg sector has already made to deliver positive outcomes in line with these targets. In 2018, the International Egg Commission (IEC) announced the Global Initiative for Sustainable Eggs (GISE). The GISE is an initiative to champion continuous development and improvement in sustainability across the global egg value chain through collaboration, knowledge sharing, sound science and leadership. The GISE initiative supports a range of ambitious sustainability objectives, helping to deliver the egg sector’s vision of continuous improvement. Of the 17 SDGs, the global egg industry has identified 7 primary SDGs where it is already making a significant impact through a range of dedicated sustainability initiatives.
Zero hunger In 2020, 149.2 million children under the age of 5 years were stunted and 45.4 million were wasted globally. The egg industry recognizes its role in helping to prevent hunger around the world. Eggs are a sustainable, affordable source of the highest quality protein. They contain the majority of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants required by the body and have been proven to be associated with better growth, cognitive performance and motor development among children, particularly in low-income countries. Through its charitable work, the International Egg Foundation (IEF) is tackling food poverty experienced in developing countries, such as eSwatini and Uganda, through an ever-broadening range of community-based programmes.
Good health and well-being Eggs are recognized as a high-quality protein and contain 13 vitamins and minerals. The bioavailability and density of their nutrients means eggs have the capacity to directly improve human health outcomes around the world. Furthermore, eggs are a good source of commonly deficient micronutrients, such as vitamins D and B12. The egg industry is committed to increasing awareness of the positive benefits of egg products, in relation to good health and wellbeing.
Quality Education Egg consumption supports brain development and concentration, particularly in young children. The egg industry is dedicated to educating the world about the value eggs provide, in terms of nutrition, environment and livelihoods. Additionally the IEF is responsible in its role as educational trustee for initiatives in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and eSwatini, providing education and resources that enable individuals to support their communities by becoming successful egg producers.
Decent Work and Economic Growth The egg industry is a significant source of income for rural populations around the world. There are over two million egg farmers globally, most of whom work on small family farms that provide a regular source of food and income. In low and middle-income countries, women represent a large proportion of egg farmers and they rely on their farms to provide food for their families and income to send their children to school. To demonstrate the industry’s commitment to supporting decent work, the World Egg Organisation (WEO) adopted the Consumer Goods Forum’s (CGF) resolution on forced labour in April 2018. This commitment made the egg industry the first global commodity group to take these steps to promote human rights and decent working conditions.
Responsible Consumption and Production The egg industry is committed to producing nutritious foods in environmentally sound and responsible ways. While eggs are officially recognised as a low impact protein source, egg businesses are always looking for new ways to make production more environmentally sustainable. Examples of this can be seen around the world, from Australia, where 10 of the country’s 12 largest egg producers have already implemented some form of solar energy on their farms, to Canada, where the first net zero barn is in operation. The egg industry is also actively working towards more sustainable soy sourcing to help prevent deforestation in South America. In addition to environmental sustainability, the egg industry is also committed to caring for its birds. Through the IEC, the industry is working with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to improve the welfare of laying hens through the establishment of a framework of global standards.
Climate Action Egg businesses continually strive to reduce the resources they use whilst ensuring the same level of output. Thanks to new efficiencies and significant productivity gains, eggs have a low carbon footprint. In 2010, the environmental footprint of a kilogram of eggs produced in the US had reduced by 65% compared to 1960, with greenhouse gas emissions reducing by 71%. To champion the continuous development and improvement of environmentally sustainable practices throughout the egg value chain, the IEC has brought together an Environmental Sustainability Expert Group. This enables best practice and the latest thinking to be shared throughout the egg industry globally.
Partnerships for the Goals As global representative of the egg industry, the IEC plays an important role in bringing together countries and organisations to achieve these SDGs. To this end, the organisation continues to develop constructive relationships with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) and major egg associations worldwide, as well as sustaining communication with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to address a range of sustainability issues.
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