Nevada’s temporary allowance for the sale of non-cage-free eggs is set to expire on June 20, 2025. After this date, all eggs sold in the state must be sourced from cage-free hens.
The temporary order was implemented on February 20, 2025, by Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) State Quarantine Officer Director J.J. Goicoechea. This measure aimed to address rising egg prices and limited supplies due to the impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on the egg industry. Since then, egg supplies have increased and prices have decreased by an average of $1.37 per dozen across Nevada.
“Eggs are typically the most cost-effective protein source for food insecure populations,” stated NDA Director Goicoechea. “When families can’t find eggs on the shelf or prices are not attainable, this can leave them without an essential food they depend on.”
In 2021, Nevada passed legislation requiring all eggs sold in the state to be cage-free. However, Assembly Bill 171 allowed for two temporary suspensions of these regulations each calendar year due to challenges posed by HPAI.
While HPAI remains a concern for the agriculture industry, its impact on egg supplies is expected to lessen as migratory birds will have less effect during summer months.
“At this time, the NDA will not be extending the temporary order,” said NDA Director Goicoechea. “Should we see similar impacts to the egg industry in the fall, we will consider another order to carry us through the end of the year. Because only two orders can be issued per calendar year, we want to ensure eggs are available for the holiday season.”
As this temporary order ends, remaining inventories of non-cage-free eggs may continue being sold until depleted. Any new stock sourced after June 20 must come from cage-free hens.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture’s mission is to preserve and promote agriculture within Nevada with a workforce dedicated across five divisions: Administrative Services; Animal Industry; Measurement Standards; Food and Nutrition; Plant Health and Compliance—working towards regulatory oversight that safeguards public health while ensuring worker safety alongside facilitating food distribution under USDA programs.
