The Ballot Measures: Addendum to Prop 2

According a study by the University of California Agricultural Issues Center, Proposition 2 would result in "the almost complete elimination of egg production in California within the six-year adjustment period." [1] This study claims that because of the difference in prices between eggs produced by caged and cage-free hens, egg producers would shift their production to other states. This is important because not only will the Californian economy suffer, but the proposition will be rendered useless as well, as egg producers will continue to produce eggs from caged hens in other states. Because of this dilemma, an additional law should be passed which requires that all eggs sold in California meet the standards of Proposition 2.



However, one may argue that Californians will be forced to pay higher prices for the non-caged eggs they consume, which will excessively burden consumers. Let's examine this claim more closely. The average price that consumers pay for eggs each year can be calculated by multiplying the total number of eggs each person consumes by the cost per egg. According to the UC study, the average Californian consumed 187 eggs per year in 2007. Additionally, in 2008, the average prices for one dozen caged and cage-free white eggs were $2.92 and $3.69, respectively.

Yearly Per Capita Cost of Caged Eggs = 187 * $2.92 / 12 = $45.50
Yearly Per Capita Cost of Cage-Free Eggs = 187 * $3.69 / 12 = $57.50
Yearly Per Capita Price Differential = $12

The cost of buying cage-free eggs is only $12 per person, per year. This is hardly excessive. The vast majority of people in California can afford to buy cage-free eggs. Honestly, everyone should already be buying cage-free eggs at these prices. Especially the cocksuckers in LA and Orange counties who are driving Mercedes and BMWs.

Reference

1. Sumner, Rosen-Molina, Matthews, Mench and Richter, "Economic Effects of Proposed Restrictions on Egg-laying Hen Housing in California." University of California Agricultural Issues Center, http://aic.ucdavis.edu/publications/eggs/egginitiative.pdf, July 2008.