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As the avian flu crisis tightens egg supplies, Rep. Jennifer Wortz introduces a bill to suspend Michigan’s cage-free mandate, aiming to lower prices and increase availability.
Egg Shortages and High Prices Lead to Legislative Push
With Michigan egg prices soaring due to a national avian flu outbreak, State Rep. Jennifer Wortz is leading a legislative effort to temporarily suspend Michigan’s cage-free egg law. The move, she says, will allow more eggs to be sold in Michigan, increasing supply and lowering costs for consumers.
Michigan’s cage-free law, which took effect at the start of 2025, requires farmers to house their hens in open environments and prohibits retailers from selling eggs from caged hens raised on farms with over 3,000 birds. Wortz, who raises poultry on her Quincy farm, argues that the timing of the mandate has made egg shortages worse by restricting available supply.
“Michigan’s cage-free egg law took effect at exactly the wrong time,” Wortz said. “With millions of hens lost to avian flu, our newly narrowed market makes it harder to stock shelves and lower prices for shoppers.”
The Impact of Avian Flu on Michigan Egg Supply
The avian flu epidemic has led to the infection or euthanization of millions of egg-laying hens nationwide, slashing production and driving up prices. The effects have been particularly severe in states with strict egg regulations, such as Michigan.
According to Wortz, while cage-free farming improves animal welfare, the law limits Michigan retailers from selling non-cage-free eggs that could otherwise increase supply and ease prices. House Bill 4117 proposes delaying the cage-free egg requirement until 2029, allowing retailers to stock eggs that are currently banned.
Balancing Affordability and Farming Investments
Wortz acknowledged that many Michigan farmers have already invested in cage-free housing, and her bill wouldn’t reverse those investments. However, it would reopen Michigan’s market to eggs from farms still using traditional methods, helping to meet demand without harming local producers.
“This delay won’t undo the investments farmers have made, but it will give consumers more options at a time when prices are skyrocketing,” Wortz said. “The national market for cage-free eggs is still strong, so Michigan farmers can still earn fair prices while shoppers benefit from increased supply.”
Avian Flu’s Seasonal Surge Could Worsen Egg Crisis
The proposal comes at a critical time. As spring migration begins, avian flu cases are expected to rise as migratory birds spread the disease across regions. Farmers and officials remain on high alert, implementing biosecurity measures to contain outbreaks, but the economic and supply chain impacts are unavoidable.
What’s Next for House Bill 4117?
HB 4117 has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture, where Wortz serves as vice chair. The bill’s progress will be closely watched by consumers, farmers, and retailers, all of whom are feeling the strain of limited egg availability and increased costs.
As the debate over food affordability and animal welfare continues, Michigan lawmakers must decide whether temporary relief for shoppers outweighs the long-term transition to cage-free farming.
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