Over 100,000 eggs, valued at $40,000, were stolen from a lorry in Pennsylvania this February, highlighting the growing crisis in the egg market. The United States is grappling with surging egg prices, driven by a devastating bird flu epidemic that has affected commercial poultry flocks nationwide. The average price for a dozen eggs has soared to $5 in January 2024, marking a 53% increase from last year. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a comprehensive $1 billion plan to aid farmers in combating the epidemic and stabilizing egg prices.
The USDA's ambitious plan allocates $500 million for biosecurity measures to prevent further outbreaks, $100 million for vaccine research and development, and $400 million for farmer financial relief programs. These efforts aim to mitigate the impact of the bird flu, which has already led to the culling of over 35 million birds this year. The Trump administration will also support commercial egg farms by providing best practices and consulting services at no cost, covering up to 75% of expenses to address vulnerabilities and curb the flu's spread.
In New York City, egg prices have reached alarming levels, with a dozen eggs selling for as much as $14. To adapt, some stores have begun selling single eggs, known colloquially as "loosies," to accommodate consumers facing budget constraints. Moreover, the USDA is considering importing eggs that meet U.S. safety standards temporarily to address potential shortages.
Despite these efforts, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins cautioned that policy changes might not immediately affect egg prices.
"This is more of a long-term solution, but what I can say is that those prices should start coming down maybe this spring, this summer as we work to implement some of those bigger-picture solutions." – Brooke Rollins
The USDA also plans to eliminate certain regulations that contribute to increased egg costs. Meanwhile, predictions suggest that egg prices could rise an additional 41%, prompting urgent actions by the government and industry stakeholders.