Projects

Results: A research and development investment of $21 million since 2000 has enabled the Australian egg industry to improve flock health, disease management, feed, nutrition, husbandry and hen welfare.

Independent evaluation by AgEconPlus shows for an outlay of about $4.4m, levy paying producers have been able to direct a $21m egg research portfolio.

Australian Egg Corporation Limited (AECL) chair Jeff Ironside said the R&D investment has returned a benefit:cost ratio of close to 8:1 and several high impact flock health outcomes for the egg industry.

“The evaluation shows that any one of the research clusters from a suite of 80 projects has been sufficient to justify this investment,” Mr Ironside said.

Total Australian Government investment in egg R&D channelled through AECL has been similar to levy payers as funds are matched dollar for dollar.

“Benefits to the Australian community through improved health outcomes associated with the salmonella control reserach, on its own, have justified public investment,” Mr Ironside said.

He said several research projects, including salmonella control, would not be funded outside current levy arrangements.

The evaluation showed most investments returned either a medium or high impact on the Australian egg industry and benefits for the wider community.

Projects included control of salmonella in eggs; cannibalism control in layer hens; consumer research to ensure customers receive the quality of eggs they require; and efforts to reduced wastage, lower producer costs and increase consumer safety.