Animal welfare and transparent communication with consumers are integral parts of SIA “Alūksnes putnu ferma” operations. In light of the allegations circulated by the association “Dzīvnieku brīvība” in the context of a recent inspection by the Food and Veterinary Service (FVS; Pārtikas un veterinārais dienests), we consider it necessary to provide clarification and ensure the public receives complete and accurate information.
SIA “Alūksnes putnu ferma” categorically rejects the allegations publicly disseminated by “Dzīvnieku brīvība” regarding the improper use of combined cage systems or consumer misrepresentation. The company’s laying hen management practices are based on animal welfare standards, food safety requirements, and sustainable development principles. All facilities operate in full compliance with Latvian and European Union regulations. Accordingly, all company products are labelled strictly in accordance with applicable legislation, and consumers can be assured that the information provided on packaging fully reflects the actual production process. The company remains open to dialogue and is prepared to demonstrate in person to media representatives, partners, and other stakeholders that hen housing conditions at “Alūksnes putnu ferma” meet the highest animal welfare standards.
Hermanis Dovgijs, Chairman of the Board of “Alūksnes putnu ferma”:
“We emphasize that the temporary confinement of a flock in one of the houses, recently recorded by the Food and Veterinary Service, was related to cleaning operations. Its sole purpose was to ensure the safety and welfare of the birds. Such temporary action is an integral part of the technological process in poultry and egg production and does not alter the nature of the housing system. Therefore, there are no grounds for changing the product labelling – these are barn eggs (Code 2).”
During the winter period, intensified cleaning is required to maintain appropriate hygiene conditions. Temporary confinement during these operations is necessary to reduce stress and injury risks. Once cleaning is completed, full freedom of movement and access to litter are immediately restored. In a follow-up inspection, the Food and Veterinary Service confirmed that animal welfare requirements are observed across all facilities, and no significant violations have previously been identified. The combined system does not provide the company with any additional advantage; it serves solely as a technical feature to facilitate short-term and objectively necessary operational tasks.
The decision to equip certain poultry houses with combined systems was made in 2018 following a thorough evaluation of available solutions. The systems were procured from an EU manufacturer and provide birds with access to water and feed, appropriate lighting, freedom of movement, scratching areas, and perches. Having assessed the use of this combined system, the Food and Veterinary Service authorized eggs from these houses to be labelled as Code 2. The Service has also confirmed the overall good visual condition of the flock, reflecting responsible compliance with animal welfare standards.
We encourage all parties to respect that the Food and Veterinary Service possesses full information and the legal authority to make determinations regarding inspection findings.
Jurijs Adamovičs, Founder and Main Shareholder of “Agrova International”:
“We recognize that legislative amendments aimed at fully phasing out caged eggs in Latvia are currently part of the public agenda. SIA ‘Alūksnes putnu ferma’ supports this direction, as it aligns with our long-term strategy. Already today, 80% of eggs at our Alūksne production site are barn eggs, and within the next 18 months we plan to increase this share to 90%, progressively moving toward 100% barn egg production. We invite all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue. We remain open to discussions and ready to demonstrate that housing conditions at our facilities meet the highest animal welfare standards”.
Additional Information:
Viktorija Gulbe
Marketing Director, Agrova International
+371 29505915
viktorija.gulbe@agrova.com
www.agrova.com