Norway to Become the First Country in the World to Abandon Fast-Growing Broilers by 2027

This is reported by AgroReview

The poultry industry in Norway has initiated a large-scale restructuring aimed at completely phasing out the use of fast-growing broiler chickens. According to the plan, by the end of 2027, these breeding lines will be entirely removed from production, and no farm will keep broilers after December 31, 2027.

Abandoning Broilers and New Gender Identification Technologies

Simultaneously, Norwegian poultry farmers are implementing modern technologies that allow for the determination of chick gender while still in the egg stage. This will enable the cessation of the practice of culling male chicks, which has long been prevalent in the industry. This approach significantly improves animal welfare standards.

“According to the animal protection organization Animal Welfare Alliance, this decision will affect over 70 million chickens in the Norwegian poultry industry. At the same time, industry representatives have agreed on a second measure: the culling of male chicks in egg production must also be halted by July 1, 2027, at the latest.”

Signing of the Agreement and Gradual Transition

The largest market players play a crucial role in implementing these changes: the meat and egg producer Nortura SA and the industry association Norwegian Meat & Poultry Industry Association (KLF). They have signed a joint statement committing to implement both new measures across all enterprises in the country.

Producers will gradually reduce their flocks, allowing existing populations to decrease naturally. Under the signed agreement, the entire poultry sector in Norway commits to adhering to the new norms and standards regarding animal protection and welfare.

Thus, Norway has become the first country in the world to completely ban the industrial breeding of fast-growing broilers and has committed to ending the practice of culling male chicks in the egg production industry.