PHOENIX – In an effort to address high prices, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is delaying the implementation of a new rule mandating cage-free eggs in the state.

Hobbs said Friday she was directing the Arizona Department of Agriculture to put the cage-free requirement on hold until 2034. The rule had been scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

The delay ensures that egg farms won’t have to convert to cage-free operations during the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of millions of egg-laying hens nationwide.

The resulting egg shortage led to skyrocketing prices, which have more than doubled since before the outbreak began. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is predicting that prices could soar by another 40% in 2025.

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The high prices cost U.S. consumers at least $1.4 billion last year, according to an estimate from agricultural economists at the University of Arkansas.

“Like many Arizonans, I’m worried about the cost of groceries,” Hobbs said in a press release. “Avian flu is devastating chicken populations and sending egg prices skyrocketing, and off the shelves completely in many cases. That’s why I’m taking action to lower costs and cut regulations that make working families pay more.”

What would Arizona rule mandating cage-free eggs do?

The cage-free requirement is way to create more humane conditions for chickens.

According to the Arizona Capitol Times , the rule, when implemented, is expected to add about 12 to 39 cents to the cost of a dozen eggs.

“People want their elected officials to take action on the issues that are affecting them every single day in their lives,” Christian Slater, Hobbs’ communications director, told the media outlet. “That is what the governor is doing.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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