A ballot measure passed by Massachusetts voters will lead to costlier eggs and less healthy birds nationwide. The referendum requires that all pork, veal and eggs farmed and sold in the state come from livestock not confined in cages. Ken Klippen, President of the National Association of Egg Farmers, says it will lead to higher prices for several commodities and is precedent setting legislation.

He says once the law goes into effect Massachusetts consumers will have a difficult time finding eggs as it will take some time for producers to convert to cage free. And that will lead to much higher prices, similar to what has been seen in California with their law.

Klippen says despite the claims by activists, cage free birds are unhealthier than those in conventional operations.

Klippen says the ballot measure was backed by HSUS and other animal activists who played on the emotion of voters.