Phoenix, AZ ~ In response to the recent rise in egg prices, Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona has directed the state's Department of Agriculture to undertake rulemaking that will delay the implementation of the cage-free egg law by seven years. This decision was made in an effort to alleviate concerns about the increasing cost of groceries for Arizona residents.

Governor Hobbs expressed her worries about the impact of rising egg prices on working families, stating that avian flu has devastated chicken populations and caused egg prices to skyrocket. In some cases, eggs have even disappeared from store shelves. She believes that taking action to lower costs and cut regulations will benefit both consumers and farmers.

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The Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Paul Brierley, also emphasized the importance of working with farmers to ensure that Arizona remains a leader in the agricultural industry. He stated that they will begin working immediately on the rulemaking process.

The avian flu outbreak has resulted in the culling of chickens across the country, leading to a 38% increase in egg prices in 2024. Experts predict another 20% increase in 2025. Under current policy, the cage-free egg law was set to go into effect on January 1, 2027. However, by delaying its implementation, Arizona's egg producers will not be forced to shut down production while converting their facilities to cage-free during a time when avian flu is at its worst.

This decision will allow Arizona's egg producers to focus on increasing production and lowering costs for consumers. It is a step towards addressing concerns about rising grocery prices and supporting local farmers in their efforts to maintain a strong agricultural industry in Arizona.

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