Free-range eggs

Just because it says ‘free range’ on the carton, it doesn’t mean the eggs come from hens that have been living on wide green pastures. Free-range egg farms can vary greatly. All free-range egg cartons must display the farm’s outdoor stocking density on the label – a good place to start. The legal maximum is 10,000 hens per hectare. The CSIRO’s Model Code of Practice recommends a maximum of 1,500 hens per hectare.

Free-range chicken

Free-range meat chickens must have access to the outdoors during the day. Conditions on free-range chicken farms can also vary greatly. Some have lots of grass and shade and room to move, some do not.

Outdoor-bred pork

This means that while the pigs were born outdoors, they were then raised indoors. Conditions can vary from large, open sheds to small pens with concrete floors.

What you can do

Read your labels, and do your research. Look for products that feature certification from organisations like PROOF and Australian Certified Organic. Chickens and pigs must be free to range if they’re to be certified organic. Shop at farmers’ markets, and get to know your local butcher. That way, you can ask questions about the produce you’re buying.

Related article: Jo Barrett on why regenerative farming is the key to good food