NEWS HIGHLIGHT
Future uncertain for California egg industry
Farmers and
agriculture analysts are warning that California’s egg production
industry is in jeopardy by the passing of Proposition 2.
Farmers and agriculture analysts are warning that California’s egg production industry is in jeopardy by the passing of Proposition 2.
According to a report by the Associated Press, critics believe the passage of the proposition could drive egg farmers out of California. A report in USA Today echoes this, with producers stating the resulting expenses will drive up egg prices, making California eggs uncompetitive with those from other states or Mexico.
California egg farmers currently produce five billion eggs a year, representing nine percent of the U.S. industry.
Egg, veal and pig producers have until 2015 to make changes to their animal housing operations under the proposition, which requires that animals be given enough room to stand up, lie down, turn around and fully extend their limbs without touching the side of a pen or cage.
