According to a report by the United Egg Producers, posted on August 6th, the Massachusetts ballot initiative mandating a case-free housing floor allowance of 1.5 square foot per hen effective January 1, 2022 is inconsistent with1.0 square foot allowed for aviaries and adopted by other states.

The Legislature of the Commonwealth attempted to remedy this inconsistency by amending an economic development bill.  Since the provision was stripped from the broader legislation, Massachusetts will have to amend the floor density allowance. The alternative will present difficulty in sourcing eggs, resulting in significant increases at the supermarket shelf.  It is unfortunate that ballot initiatives promoted by welfare activist and opponents of intensive livestock invariably ignore the cost of their feel-good gestures and the predictable impact on low-income demographics in their communities.

It is hoped that the legislators of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts address the issue by the end of December.