“Rising Demand for Pasture-Raised Eggs: A New Benchmark for Animal Welfare Amidst Price Challenges”
Cage-free eggs have now become a standard commodity, while pasture-raised eggs—where chickens enjoy more time outdoors foraging and scratching—are rapidly gaining popularity, potentially setting a new benchmark for chicken welfare. As consumer demand for improved animal treatment grows, it is expected that once one standard is widely adopted, consumers will strive for even higher standards. However, the enhanced treatment of animals often comes with a significant price increase. According to producers interviewed by Bloomberg, most retailers now offer free-range or pasture-raised eggs, with these options increasingly available in more locations. In the past, pasture-raised eggs could sell for an astonishing $12 per dozen, but as demand has surged, prices have fallen to as low as $5 per dozen. Despite this reduction, such prices remain unaffordable for many consumers, still considerably higher than conventional eggs. Nonetheless, the rising demand for cage-free eggs is promising for the market.
As cage-free eggs establish themselves as a commodity, they serve as a benchmark against which other types of eggs are measured. Pasture-raised eggs may experience a similar trajectory, as both categories have gained popularity in recent years. Cage-free options have become so prevalent that Cal-Maine Foods Inc., the largest egg producer in the U.S., has expanded its cage-free production capacity. Legislative measures are also promoting these changes; California voters passed Proposition 12 during the midterm elections, which mandates that no farm can sell veal, eggs, or pork in California unless they meet specific confinement space requirements.
However, maintaining high standards for chicken welfare is not without its challenges. In 2010, Massachusetts enacted similar legislation to California, requiring that all pork, veal, and eggs sold in the state come from animals not kept in cramped conditions. This initiative has faced backlash, with Massachusetts currently embroiled in litigation from 13 states. Plaintiffs argue that forcing out-of-state farmers to comply with one state’s restrictive law infringes upon the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which authorizes Congress to regulate interstate commerce.
While pasture-raised eggs have shown a remarkable 32% growth this year, it remains to be seen how sustainable this demand will be. Out of the 330 million hens in the U.S. egg industry, fewer than 10 million have access to the outdoors. Given the increase in numbers so far this year, it is possible that pasture-raised eggs will become more widespread, potentially driving prices down further and attracting a broader consumer base. As consumers continue to prioritize animal welfare, questions arise about other health-related issues, such as whether calcium citrate causes kidney stones, which also reflect a growing awareness of dietary choices and their impacts.
