CLIFTON, Colo. (KJCT) – Colorado is set to implement a landmark regulation on animal welfare and consumer food standards: starting January 1, 2025, all eggs sold in the state must be cage-free. This transition is part of the phased implementation of House Bill 20-1343, which outlines specific standards for egg producers in Colorado and those supplying eggs to the state.
Understanding the New Cage-Free Requirement
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) recently confirmed that the new rule will require egg producers to adopt cage-free systems, ensuring each hen has ample space to move. Previously, the law required one square foot of space per hen, but under the new amendment, all hens must be housed in a completely cage-free environment.
“This affects all egg producers within and outside of Colorado,” explained Dan Zangari, Technical Services Section Chief for the CDA’s Inspection and Consumer Services Division. “It’s been a phased approach since 2020, with all egg producers required to provide at least 144 square inches per hen.”
Impact on Farmers and Consumers
Local farmers and industry stakeholders are weighing the implications of the shift. Dawn Adams, owner of Green Junction Farmstead, expressed that while this change will benefit animal welfare, it may also result in higher egg prices due to infrastructure upgrades required by larger egg producers. “Egg prices will go up… big companies will have to make infrastructure changes, and that always trickles down to consumers,” Adams said. “But it will benefit the chickens by giving them more space.”
Potential Effects on Retailers and the Supply Chain
Retailers selling eggs in Colorado will need to adjust their sourcing strategies to comply with the new regulation. As Adams pointed out, importing eggs from out of state to cut costs may not be a viable solution due to concerns about freshness and quality. “Outsourcing might mean older eggs that have traveled longer distances, possibly experiencing temperature changes during transit,” she added.
Compliance Requirements for Businesses
According to the CDA, businesses selling eggs in Colorado must ensure that all eggs or egg products come from cage-free hens. Failure to comply could result in penalties, as the CDA mandates that “a business owner may not knowingly sell or transport for sale in Colorado eggs produced by hens confined in a manner not compliant with the new requirements.”
Egg producers with more than 3,000 egg-laying hens must meet the new standards, and all farms and businesses, regardless of size, will need to conduct an audit to confirm compliance with the cage-free mandate. Zangari noted that the CDA has worked closely with egg producers to minimize disruption to the egg supply. “All our producers have been working toward full cage-free compliance, so consumers shouldn’t see significant changes in availability,” he said.
A Shift Toward Animal Welfare and Sustainable Agriculture
Adams, reflecting on the broader impact of the regulation, shared her optimism about its potential benefits. “I’m grateful this regulation is encouraging larger agriculture operations to make positive changes for our food system,” she said.
