In early November, the USDA quietly shelved a rule that would have given consumers a bit more of what they assume is part of organic eggs — open air. At least a third of organic egg producers operate under that model, according to USDA. But United Egg Producers contends that nearly half the organic producers will simply leave the market, leaving shortages that will drive up prices. “It’s a small price to pay in order to preserve consumer confidence.”The egg industry has a longer-term strategy in mind when it fights the organic egg rules. United Egg Producers, meanwhile, has promoted its own certification program with less generous allocation of space, both indoor and out.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 21, 2017 15:00 UTC