Cabinet orders cost study and new board in response to egg price hike request

The Poultry Association has requested a $2 increase in the wholesale price of eggs, citing reduced egg production due to heat waves and increased feed costs.

In response, the Cabinet has initiated several actions:

1. An accounting firm will conduct a 60-day study to determine the actual costs incurred by farmers in egg production.
2. A Poultry Board will be established, consisting of 5-7 members from various sectors including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Poultry Association, accounting professionals, and the Chief Veterinary Officer. This board will be tasked with determining reasonable poultry product prices for consumers.
3. The previously promised discount on APUA water for poultry farmers will be implemented.

The Cabinet has expressed concerns about the potential formation of an “egg cartel.”

Additionally, the Cabinet noted that the Poultry Association’s desire to import feed to sell to its own members is not in accord with good business practice.