The VFF Egg Group represents more than 33 egg producers across Victoria. It has an elected Executive Board of eight producers, elected annually, and an Executive Officer.
There are three egg production systems - cage, free range and barn laid. Producers of all systems have a united voice through the VFF Egg Group on industry issues such as - drought, codes of practice, animal welfare, animal health, food safety, the environment, research and development, education, training, feed grains, imports and industry relations.
The Australian Egg Corporation Ltd (AECL) is owned by egg farmers and is financed by levies on day old chicks paid by egg producers.
The VFF Egg Group holds proxies from Victorian egg farmers, which therefore represents them at AECL meetings.
The VFF Egg Group is committed to the long term viability of the Victorian egg industry and is recognised as the voice of the Victorian egg industry by both government and media.
The Victorian industry has many forward thinking farmers in all production systems who are embracing new technologies. It is fortunate to have enthusiastic and hard working farmers who are prepared to acquire the skills necessary to move the industry forward.
Egg Group President
Brian Ahmed is a second generation egg producer who has 40 years experience in the Egg Industry. He grew up on the family farm learning first hand, the work required by egg producers to run their farms efficiently and profitably. After studying Mechanical Engineering he chose to work as an Engineer until 1986 before turning his focus back to the Egg Industry.
He joined the Egg Group executive committee in 2002 and was elected as President of the Egg Group in 2007. In 2001 Brian invested in the latest cage production systems showing clearly his long term commitment to this Industry.
He believes consumers must have freedom of choice and therefore supports all three methods of egg production knowing well that all VFF Egg Group Members produce eggs to the highest Animal Welfare and Food safety standards.
Egg Group Committee Members
| President: | Brian Ahmed |
| Vice President: | Tony Nesci |
| Treasurer: | Tim Drew |
| Policy Council: | Meg Parkinson |
| Committee: | Claude Botti |
| Lou Napolitano | |
| Danny Colla | |
| Ian Savenake |
Egg Group Issues
Cage Regulations
The VFF supports the current legislated cage regulations as the standard of animal welfare for the production of eggs in cages in Victoria.
The VFF supports the DPI in conducting audits on all cage systems in Victoria so that 100 percent compliance with the regulations is assured. Producers have until 2015 to fully comply with the requirements of the cage regulations.
The VFF is lobbying to ensure the continued sustainability of the caged egg industry which accounts for 80 percent of egg purchases.
Free range egg farming and labelling
The VFF supports the current Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals (Domestic Poultry) 4th edition.The free range provisions contained in the Model Code identify what is and what isn't free range.
The VFF also supports the accreditation process undertaken by AECL under its Egg Corp Assured and consumers should only buy from farms with this accreditation or other acceptable QA programs such as Hencare to be assured of Free Range status.
