This story was produced by My UP News correspondent Andrew Lorinser, find the original story here.
Following the recent enactment of legislation mandating all egg-laying hens in Michigan to be cage-free by the end of 2024, Michigan Senate Republicans are resharing statements made in 2019 by Senator Ed McBroom who delivered a pointed critique in a session, expressing strong reservations about the implications of the new law.
In 2019, urging his fellow senators to vote against the legislation, McBroom opened his remarks with a pun “This legislation smells like a rotten egg,” before elaborating on his contention that it could have negative consequences for consumers and the agricultural industry.
The new law in Michigan mandating that all stores sell only cage-free eggs is now officially in effect. Originally enacted in 2009, this bipartisan legislation underwent expansions and delays due to advocacy from the U.S. Humane Society, pushing the timeline for implementation to 2023.
McBroom argued that the bill, which prohibits the sale of non-cage-free eggs in Michigan, resulted from inappropriate legislative maneuvers dating back to 2009.
He accused special interest groups of exerting undue influence on lawmakers, leading to a policy that he believes caters to a select few rather than serving the broader interests of farmers and consumers.
“Rather than going through the natural process that they should have… they went instead to the legislature,” McBroom said, criticizing the way the legislation was developed. He emphasized that this approach undermines consumer choice, suggesting that consumers should have the autonomy to demand market changes without legislative intervention.
One of McBroom’s core concerns is the anticipated rise in egg prices, which he believes may follow the implementation of the cage-free requirement.
The regulation stipulates that hens must have the ability to move freely, lie down, stand up, extend their limbs, and turn around, thereby prohibiting the sale of eggs from hens raised in restrictive environments.
“You are voting today to raise egg prices… the cost difference is real,” McBroom warned, indicating that consumers may face higher grocery bills as a result of the new regulations.
McBroom also pointed to the consolidation within the egg industry, arguing that the law may disproportionately benefit large producers while squeezing out small, family-owned farms.
He criticized the perceived favoritism in the legislation, which he claims offers exemptions for certain producers, creating an uneven playing field.
“Why should they get a free pass when the eggs are in a bag instead of in a carton?” asked McBroom, highlighting what he views as an inconsistency in enforcement.
His speech underscored wider concerns about the direction of agricultural policy in Michigan and the impact on consumers.
“This remains flagrantly unnecessary law,” said McBroom, urging his colleagues to reconsider their support for what he described as bad policy driven by special interests.
Though some producers have faced challenges in transitioning to cage-free systems—requiring significant investment and modifications to facilities—many have adapted accordingly.
While consumers may be concerned about potential increases in egg prices, industry representatives emphasize that current price fluctuations are primarily attributed to the bird flu epidemic rather than the new legislation. With this law now in place, cage-free eggs have become the standard option for consumers in Michigan.
