Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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794. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has undertaken any research to demonstrate the nutrient difference in the quality of eggshell from commercial birds and organic birds (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50036/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Organic production is a system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental and climate action practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources and the application of high animal welfare standards and high production standards.

As outlined in Organic Regulation (EU) 2018/848, only the products and substances listed in Annex II of Regulation 2021/1165 may be used in organic production as fertilisers, soil conditioners and nutrients for plant nutrition. Egg shells are a permitted input, but factory farming origin is forbidden. Factory farming is defined as production systems whereby animals are housed indoors on a permanent basis. Consequently, the use of eggshells from ‘commercial’ poultry flocks is not permitted on organic farms.

My Department has not carried out research on the nutrient difference between 'commercial' and organic eggshell.