New community research from Australian Eggs finds:
· 69 per cent trust the egg industry to act responsibly
· 75 per cent believe the industry is prepared to change its practices in response to community concerns
· 73 per cent of respondents believe the industry aims to be the best at what they do
· 74 percent believe that egg farming has a lower impact on the environment than other industries.
· Nearly 80 per cent agree technology is driving sustainability in the egg industry
The egg industry has welcomed record-high marks for sustainability, responsiveness and innovation, with results of this year’s Sustainability Framework Community Research Report.
Now in its seventh year, the 2024 report findings show industry responsiveness is the main driver of community trust, with 75 per cent of Australian’s confident in the egg industry’s ability to identify and respond to community expectations.
Australian Eggs Managing Director, Rowan McMonnies says this year’s survey results show a significant increase in trust, in what has been a challenging time for the industry.
“Our research shows that Aussie consumers continue to strongly support the egg farmers, with 69 per cent expressing trust in the industry to act responsibly – our highest level to date,” he said.
“We have seen positive increases in all areas which was unexpected after the results had plateaued at a high level in recent years. This includes environmental management which remains a key priority for Australians.”
“It’s been a difficult time for the industry with the avian influenza outbreak in late-Autumn. The survey was mostly conducted before this so it seems the process of listening to the community is continuing to work.
“These results put the egg industry in good stead to address supply challenges and continue to deliver a trusted source of protein to Australian tables.”
It comes as Australian Eggs has announced the launch of a state-of-the-art VR biosecurity training tool which will help increase the security of egg supply.
The new tool aims to standardise, streamline and modernise on-farm biosecurity training, which is a major priority for Australian egg farmers.
“Initiatives like our new VR biosecurity training tool address current and pressing industry challenges, but also reinforces our longstanding commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence,” said Mr McMonnies.
The Sustainability Framework Community Research Survey was conducted by independent social science researchers, Voconiq, engaged more than 5,000 Australians, and forms a central part of Australian Eggs’ Sustainability Framework which aims to explore community attitudes and perceptions of the egg industry.
