United Egg Producers Celebrates 20 Years of Cage-Free Egg Certification Throughout 2026

The United Egg Producers is proud to celebrate 20 years of the UEP Certified Cage-Free program, underscoring two decades of progress, collaboration and dedication to hen welfare. The UEP Certified Cage-Free seal represents the wisdom of over 50 years of hands-on egg production experience, the integrity of independently maintained guidelines and the assurance of maximizing hen welfare at minimal cost.

U.S. egg farmers are committed to providing the best possible care for their hens. To demonstrate this intention and unify industry standards, the industry convened an independent, unpaid Scientific Advisory Committee to evaluate well-being standards for egg-laying hens, review existing research, conduct new research and recommend improvements for egg farms.

“Using science as its North Star and relying on the guidance of academic leaders in hen welfare and animal science, United Egg Producers set the standard upon which all state laws for cage-free housing are based. Those standards have evolved alongside rising consumer demand and will continue to do so in the years to come,” said Dr. Janice Swanson, chair of the UEP Scientific Advisory Committee.

The first recommendations from this advisory committee became the foundation for the UEP Certified program, which represents more than 90% of eggs produced in the U.S. The initial standards for conventionally housed hens were announced in 2002, with cage-free housing guidelines launching in 2006.

“For two decades, UEP Certified Cage-Free has assured that hens are raised under rigorous animal welfare standards,” said Dr. Larry Sadler, vice president of animal welfare at UEP. “Our farmers and partners remain committed to hen health and well-being, making meaningful improvements that strengthen the entire egg supply chain.”

As UEP Certified Cage-Free marks this 20-year milestone, the program has undergone refinements to address evolving industry needs, including a greater focus on hen health, fire prevention and enhanced housing standards. These updates reaffirm UEP’s commitment to both animal welfare and sustainability and position America’s egg producers for sustained growth as hen housing transitions continue.

UEP Certified is grateful to its customers and partners for supporting two decades of cage-free progress. By working together, producers, retailers and foodservice companies can continue to deliver on consumer expectations and strengthen a resilient, responsible egg industry.

For more information on EP Certified Cage-Free, visit uepcertifiedcagefree.com.

United Egg Producers (UEP) is a cooperative of U.S. egg farmers working collaboratively to address legislative, regulatory and advocacy issues impacting the industry through active farmer-member leadership, a unified voice and partnership across the agriculture community. UP’s farmer-members work t o provide for the health and well-being o f their birds; to produce safe, nutritious, high-quality eggs; and to manage their farms responsibly with best on-farm management practices. Leadership o f and participation in the UEP Certified program b y the vast majority of egg producers further demonstrates a broad commitment to the care of egg-laying hens. Formed in 1968, UEP members represent about 9 5 percent of U.S. egg production.