Arizona Farm Bureau hopes state’s delayed cage-free egg rule never goes into effect

PHOENIX — Gov. Katie Hobbs said this week she’s considering enacting the state’s cage-free egg law sooner than previously anticipated.

This law, which would require laying hens to be cage-free, was initially supposed to go into effect in 2027.

But in late March, Hobbs delayed the law’s implementation until 2034 in an attempt to bring down egg prices and to help slow the spread of avian flu.

“If it seems feasible to move it up to implement it sooner, we can have those conversations,” Hobbs said.

Her willingness to potentially put the law into effect sooner than 2034 is informed by the agriculture community. Local egg producers are currently able to meet the demand for cage-free eggs, she said.

Arizona farm leader hopes cage-free egg law never goes into effect

Arizona Farm Bureau President John Boelts hopes Hobbs doesn’t move the implementation date earlier than 2034.

“I applaud the governor for holding off on implementation of that rule,” Boelts said.

In fact, he said he hopes the law never does into effect because the legislation doesn’t follow the best science or practices when it comes to animal agriculture.

“Those of us in agriculture are very keenly aware of the benefits of following the best science and veterinary medicine for the health and welfare of animals,” Boelts said.

Idea of cage-free egg law comes from California, he says

Boelts said the cage-free egg law is an influence from California.

“California implemented some rules for both raising hogs and swine for pork products, and for chickens a number of years ago. But almost all the laying hen facilities have left California,” Boelts said.

California is now forced to import a majority of their eggs, which Boelts said impacts egg supply and prices here in Arizona.

He said the price of an egg and bacon breakfast in California is now three to four times higher than what it was before the cage-free rules were implemented.

It also doesn’t make sense for consumers or the health and welfare of animals, Boelts added.

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