Agribusiness fights proposal that gives hens more space

SAN FRANCISCO -- A California ballot measure to improve conditions for farm animals has generated national opposition from agribusiness interests.

If passed Tuesday, Proposition 2 would prevent California farmers from confining egg-laying hens, pregnant pigs and veal calves in ways that don't allow them to lie, stand and extend their limbs.

The proposal has grown into the most expensive animal-rights ballot measure ever, with both sides raising almost $8 million each. Some opponents are concerned that it could spur national changes.

"If it passes in California, Oregon will be the next one … and it'll spread through the nation," says Gordon Satrum, co-owner of Willamette Egg Farms in Canby, Ore.

Willamette, like other egg and pork producers nationwide, has contributed money to fund the opposing campaign.

Other measures banning restrictive crates for pigs and veal calves have passed in Florida, Arizona, Colorado and Oregon. California will be the test case for hens. The state doesn't have much of a veal or pork industry but supplies almost 6% of the nation's eggs.

Proposition 2 opponents, who include some poultry veterinarians and academic experts, say the changes would drive egg prices far higher and put California producers out of business because they couldn't compete with out-of-state rivals or Mexican imports.

They also say that giving hens so much more room — as required by the measure — will increase the risk of salmonella and avian flu outbreaks because hens would be more exposed to their feces and that of migrating birds, which spread avian flu.

"It has a number of consequences that has the potential to be hazardous to bird health and to human health," says Nancy Reimers, a California poultry veterinarian who's also a paid consultant to the coalition leading the opposition, Californians for Safe Food.

Small cages at issue

The measure is being pushed by the Humane Society of the United States and is supported by other animal protection groups and the California Veterinary Medical Association.