Seamus Kirk
Question:41 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the present regulatory position regarding the production of free range turkeys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1416/95]
Written Answers. - Free Range Turkeys.
The production of free range turkeys is provided for under EU Regulations. These Regulations are Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1906/90 on certain marketing standards for poultrymeat and Commission Regulation EEC No. 1538/91 introducing detailed rules.
In addition the specific production provisions and use of the term "free range" are provided for in Commission Regulation (EEC) No. 2891/93 — and can be summarised as follows: the stocking rate of floor spacing is 25 kg liveweight per square metre; the birds have continuous day time access to open air runs of unlimited area; the feed formula used in the fattening stage contains at least 70 per cent of cereals, the poultry house is provided with popholes of a combined length at least equal to four metres per 100 square metres surface of the house and the birds are slaughtered at 70 days or later.
I am satisfied that these regulations ensure that the consumer is receiving a genuine "free range" product.