LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist has signed Senate Bill 174, which states that all egg-laying hens in Michigan will be in cage-free systems by December 2024.
As a result, no non-cage free eggs will be legally allowed to be sold in Michigan.
“Michigan is known for having one of the most diverse agricultural and farming industries in the nation,” Gilchrist said. “Signing this bill is the right thing to do. This will ensure that our standards are amongst the strongest in the nation when it comes to protecting animal welfare, while ensuring that egg producers are able to continue to thrive.”
The passage of the bill makes Michigan the fifth state to adopt such measures, as well as the largest egg producing state in the nation to do so. Other states with cage-free legislation include California, Washington, Oregon and Rhode Island.
“Michigan’s family egg farmers applaud the Whitmer Administration for positioning Michigan as a national leader in cage free egg production,” Executive Director at Michigan Allied Poultry Industries Allison Brink said. “While consumers are demanding more cage-free eggs, it is Michigan’s law which will inspire greater integrity and transparency across the U.S. food system, and allow hard working farm families to continue for future generations,”
Officials say that Senate Bill 174 was passed with overwhelming support by both chambers of the Michigan Legislature.
Following its passage, this bill will take effect 90 days after enactment.
