Today's Close-Up S2021E32 - Cage-Free Eggs Highlight Animal Welfare

The humble egg, indispensable in the kitchen, is undergoing a major transformation. Global restaurant chains are shifting to cage-free eggs and the European Union has declared a ban on conventional battery cages for laying hens. The concept of animal welfare is to reduce pain and stress in animals through the creation of a better environment for livestock. It is also an important part of achieving the SDGs set out by the United Nations. Meeting animal welfare requirements, however, imposes additional costs and Japanese farmers are struggling to make it happen while investors put more emphasis on sustainability. We take a look at the frontline of the animal welfare movement in farming.

Guests:
Shimmura Tsuyoshi (Professor, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology)
Kawaguchi Mariko (Specially Appointed Professor, Rikkyo University)