Bill would delay cage-free mandate, expand egg market

State Rep. Jennifer Wortz last week introduced a plan to allow Michigan stores to sell more eggs — aiming to increase supply for Michigan customers facing high egg prices during the national avian influenza pandemic.

Michigan’s cage-free law, which took effect at the start of this year, requires farmers to house their egg-laying hens in open, maneuverable spaces with specific amenities for the chickens. The law also 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 will allow more affordable eggs to come to market in the state.

“Michigan’s cage-free egg law took effect at exactly the wrong time,” said Wortz, a Republican representing the 35th House District. “Millions of egg-laying hens have been infected or euthanized because of avian influenza, reducing egg production and keeping prices high nationwide. Michigan’s newly narrowed market means local stores can’t stock up with some of the eggs that are available. This makes it harder to bring costs down for shoppers. With prices as high as they are, every little bit could help provide relief for Michiganders trying to feed their families. That’s why I’m working expand our market and bring cheaper egg options back to customers in our communities.”

House Bill 4117 would delay Michigan’s cage-free egg requirements until 2029. 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.

“I know firsthand how hard farmers in Michigan and other states are working to reduce the spread of avian influenza, keep people and animals safe, and bring as many eggs as possible to market,” Wortz said. “As the disease reduces the supply of eggs, health precautions on farms increase costs, and high prices for everyone are the inevitable result. Delaying the egg law won’t undo the cage-free investments at Michigan farms, but the nationwide market for cage-free eggs makes it clear that farmers will still be able to earn fair prices to pay for their costs. Buyers also need prices they can afford, and bringing in even just a slightly larger supply can get more eggs on the shelves and on kitchen tables.”

Wortz’s bill comes near the start of spring, when avian flu often spreads faster as migratory birds move north, picking up and carrying diseases from place to place.

HB 4117 was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture, where Wortz serves as vice chair.