Several countries are set to flout the new rules on battery farming.

Millions of egg-laying hens are expected to remain in battery farm conditions throughout Europe as poultry farmers flout a ban on battery cages in 2012.

Whilst Kent based farmers - and those throughout the rest of the UK, plus 10 other Euro zone countries - will be complying with the regulations, eight countries – including Portugal, Belgium and Poland – are apparently not likely to follow suit. This means that more than 17 million hens expected to remain in battery cages, unable to spread their wings. There are currently no figures for five other member states including Italy, Greece and Hungary, but campaigners say that those countries are unlikely to follow the rules. The legislation is designed to eradicate the practice of battery farming and enhance animal welfare

If you buy eggs produced at local farms, you can be sure that the hens have been kept in relatively high welfare conditions - and you'll also be helping the local economy and saving on food miles.

Let's support our Kentish farmers. Buy local.

More information can be found on the link below.

Farmers flout battery hen ban.

An update is available here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16047967