State Sen. Lana Theis introduced a bill Tuesday to repeal Michigan’s cage-free egg mandate, which is set to take effect at the end of 2024. The law requires that all eggs sold in the state come from hens raised in cage-free systems.
Theis said the legislation is necessary to address soaring egg prices, which have risen 36.8% over the past year, with prices reaching nearly $9 per dozen in some areas. While avian influenza is the primary driver of price hikes, Theis argued that the cage-free mandate adds an unnecessary burden on farmers and consumers.
BIG NEWS: Today, I introduced legislation to repeal the requirement that eggs sold in Michigan be cage-free and eliminate the mandate requiring farmers and producers to use cage-free systems to raise egg-laying chickens.
Egg prices have soared by 36.8% over the past year, with… pic.twitter.com/coBRYxK4uO
— Senator Lana Theis (@SenLTheis) January 23, 2025
“While I cannot promise this legislation will immediately lower egg prices, it will remove one of the factors contributing to the financial strain on both farmers and families,” Theis said in a statement.
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The United States has been battling a widespread outbreak of avian influenza, which has led to the culling of more than 75 million egg-laying hens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This reduction in supply has worsened price increases, particularly in states with cage-free laws like California and Washington.
Supporters of cage-free systems contend they improve animal welfare by allowing hens to engage in natural behaviors. Critics, however, argue the systems raise production costs, which are then passed on to consumers.
The proposed repeal has sparked debate, with policymakers weighing economic concerns against animal welfare as Michigan’s egg industry faces mounting challenges.
