LANSING, MI (WTVB) – 35th District State Representative Jennifer Wortz has introduced a plan which she feels will increase the egg supply for Michigan customers who are facing high egg prices during the national avian influenza pandemic.
It would allow stores to sell more eggs by delaying Michigan’s cage-free law, which took effect at the start of this year.
The cage-free law requires farmers to house their egg-laying hens in open, maneuverable spaces with specific amenities for the chickens and prohibits retailers from selling caged eggs from farms with over 3,000 hens.
Wortz, who raises poultry with her family on their Quincy farm, said delaying Michigan’s cage-free law until 2029 through House Bill 4117 will allow more affordable eggs to come to market in the state.
Wortz said that although pausing the mandate wouldn’t reduce costs for Michigan famers who have already invested in cage-free housing, the delay would allow the sale of currently banned eggs to consumers, increasing supply and easing prices without hurting local farms.
House Bill 4117 was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture, where Wortz serves as vice chair.
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