Latvian Egg Producers Continue Shift to Cage-Free Production; Parliament Rejects Ban
Major Latvian egg producers, including Balticovo and Agrova Baltics, are advancing their transition to cage-free egg production, investing millions. The Saeima rejected a bill in June that would have banned cages by 2032, but the industry is already moving toward free-range systems.
The shift to cage-free egg production is progressing in Latvia. AS "Balticovo" board member Toms Auškāps said the company started the transition in 2020 and has invested over €150 million. New cage-free facilities have been built, and free-range systems developed in Madona, Vilce, and Daugavpils, providing hens with four square meters of pasture per bird. The company has also expanded cooperation with small free-range farms in Latvia and Lithuania.
On June 11, the Saeima rejected in first reading amendments to the Animal Protection Law that would have banned battery cages for laying hens by 2032. Before the vote, the Latvian United Poultry Industry Association (LAPNA) reached an agreement with the animal rights group "Dzīvnieku brīvība" on a gradual transition: by 2035 without state support, or by 2032 with support. Auškāps said the memorandum could be integrated into law, and while the industry can transform on its own, state guarantees would speed up the process and boost export competitiveness.
Jurijs Adamovičs, chairman of AS "Agrova Baltics", said the parliamentary decision has little impact on his company – about 80% of production already comes from barns, and all new investments are in modern cage-free systems. He agrees the transition is market-driven and warns that abrupt restrictions could lead to imports from countries with lower standards. Adamovičs welcomed the Agriculture Ministry's planned socio-economic assessment by year-end.
An economic analysis concluded the ban would affect only about 6% of laying hen capacity, as major producers are already transitioning. Balticovo reported 2025 revenue of €161.5 million (up 44.1%) and profit of €35.9 million. Agrova Baltics group posted 2025 revenue of €24.3 million (up 91.8%) and profit of €5.16 million, recovering from previous losses.
