Proposition 2 passed in California and Iowa producers are concerned, according to this report. Expect a continued lobbying battle.
Brent Gattis, an agribusiness lobbyist in Washington, predicts animal-rights activists will push the Democratic-controlled Congress to pass similar standards nationwide. Pending legislation backed by animal welfare interests would set standards for meat, milk and eggs purchased by the government for schools and the military. Mitch Head, a spokesman for the United Egg Producers, however, says that would increase federal spending at a time when the budget already is squeezed. Cage-free eggs cost about 20 cents each, about double the price of conventionally produced eggs.