United Egg Producers have decided not to renew their agreement with HSUS to push for federal legislation to mandate enriched colony housing systems for U.S. egg producing hens. UEP had worked with HSUS to try and get that amendment in the recently passed farm bill but that was omitted from the legislation. HSUS Ag Director Joe Maxwell says his group will continue pushing for Housing legislation in a stand alone measure.

Maxwell says HSUS will work hard to educate consumers and producers as well as elected officials about the need for the legislation.

United Egg Producers Chief Executive Chad Gregory says his group is now focused on a range of options for housing and believes the future of their industry does include transitioning towards enriched colony housing.