EGG‑NEWS.com

Sonoma County Measure J failed with 85 percent of the electorate rejecting the proposed ban on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).  If passed, the measure would have restricted livestock farms to either 700 mature cows, or 82,000 egg-laying hens, or 125,000 broiler chickens or 30,000 ducks.

To understand voter concerns a structured survey on Measure J was conducted among 2,500 residents of Sonoma County. The project was initiated by the Press Democrat, in cooperation with Sonoma State University. The survey extending over the period October 31^st through November 7^th revealed overwhelming support for farmers and their credibility. Half of respondents stated a “very positive view” of local producers with 32 percent having a “somewhat positive view”. 

One respondent in a post-voting survey characterized Measure J as “too much, too radical, too fast”.  A second respondent felt that the Measure, even if passed, would not have contributed to livestock welfare.

The results of the Measure J Ballot Initiative and the concurrent rejection of the ban on livestock slaughter within the city of Denver represent the belief of voters that ballot initiatives claiming to improve animal welfare are effectively attempts to promote a pro-vegan lifestyle.

Voters in California, especially, are now realizing the financial impact of Proposition #12, passed by a two-thirds majority in 2020.  Effectively, eggs in California are between $0.50 and $1.00 above states without Proposition-12 restrictions on housing hens in conventional cages or colony modules. An average family of four consuming 300 eggs per capita would bear a cost of $75 annually due to the “Pacelle Tax” represented by Proposition #12.