Egg farmers angered by criticism on 'Archers'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.EGG FARMERS are angry at criticism of battery hen farming in The Archers, radio's long-running soap opera.
They say the BBC programme gives a 'completely one-sided' portrayal of battery systems in favour of free range production.
Keith Pulman, secretary of the 650-member UK Egg Producers' Association, said: 'After Edwina Currie, this is the last thing we want.'
He is urging his members to register a protest with the programme's agricultural storyline editor, Tony Parkin.
But the BBC insisted the programme was 'even-handed'. There had been no letters of complaint and just one phoned protest, a spokeswoman said.
Egg farmers accuse the programme of unjustly raising chicken welfare issues in battery farming while maintaining that free range hens enjoy an idyllic life. One scene had Mike Tucker, a battery farmer, casually mentioning there were usually 'a couple of dead 'uns' among the droppings. He said they got swept out with the waste, adding: 'I can hardly give them a proper funeral.'
Listeners also heard that free range eggs would be cheaper if more people bought them.
Mr Pulman said this was not true, as free range production cost more than battery cages.
'Free range eggs are fine if you are talking about six hens and a cockerel running about in an orchard, but big producers keep whole herds of the birds together. We do not accept there is a welfare problem in battery cages.'
The BBC said a tasting session on the programme ended with few characters having any preference.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments