State Legislature

Missouri resolution condemns California egg law

Missouri lawmakers are considering a resolution condemning California’s law stipulating that eggs sold in that state come from hens that have more room than they used to.  The California law affects any egg producer who does business in California, no matter their location.  Resolution sponsor, Republican Senator Mike Parson (pictured below) tells Brownfield Ag News that California shouldn’t dictate production practices in other states.

“California’s a huge state, seven percent of the [U.S.] economy,” Senator Parson told Brownfield Ag News Tuesday at the Capitol after testifying to the House Agriculture Policy Committee in favor of the bill.  “You’re going to meet their demands to sell them product.”

House Agriculture Policy Committee Chairman Republican Jay Houghton (pictured below) says that even if the resolution passes, it’s likely not going to compel California to reverse its measure.

“It’s not an easy thing to do,” Houghton told Brownfield Ag News.  “We hope that we can get through to some of the elected officials in California that maybe they would look at doing something.”

The Missouri House Ag Policy Committee gave the resolution a unanimous Do-Pass recommendation.  It’s to be considered by one more committee before proceeding to the House floor.