Tas Greens push to outlaw battery egg farming

Tasmanian egg producers have labelled the Greens as out of touch with reality as the party moves to outlaw battery hen farming in the state.

The Greens tried in 1997 and 2000 to have battery hen farms banned but both bills were defeated.

However, the party's Nick McKim says there is now overwhelming opposition to the farming method.

He is proposing the creation of a 'cruelty free' egg label, and the party plans to table a bill in State Parliament today.

"This is the embodiment of a long held view by the Greens that we, as the dominant species on the planet, have a responsibility to ensure that we treat animals with respect," he said.

"That fits our clean green brand and will sell eggs at a premium into Tasmanian and mainland markets."

John Groenewold from the state's Commercial Egg Producers Association says that is not realistic.