By Kisean Joseph
Consumers will soon be paying nearly EC$17 for a dozen eggs, marking the second price increase in two years.
The hike – which comes into effect on September 16 – was announced on Monday afternoon by the Layer Farmers’ Association.
The group cited rising costs of shipping, along with packaging materials, freight and feed as the reason. A statement said the increase was the only way local farms “could remain viable in today’s harsh economic times”.
Valerie Edwards, the association’s Secretary, told Observer yesterday, “The farmers sell the eggs for $14 with a 20 percent mark-up, making the price around $16.80 in the supermarkets.”
She said problems had been exacerbated by “severe heat” causing “an egg shortage” as chickens refuse to lay.
Adrian Hall, the association’s Managing Director, said, “Once the shipping companies put out the information that prices will be going up, we just have to follow suit.”
However, he emphasised that egg producers have been trying to absorb as much of the cost increase as possible to keep prices affordable for consumers.
Hall acknowledged the potential impact on consumers, recognising that the rising cost of living could make it more difficult for some people to afford eggs.
“Wages don’t seem to be following suit,” he observed, suggesting that eventually wages would need to be adjusted to reflect the increasing cost of living.
He urged consumers to understand that farmers are not exempt from the economic trends affecting the country. He emphasised that the price increases are not arbitrary, but a reflection of the broader economic challenges facing the agricultural sector.
According to Hall, the primary driver behind the price increase is the escalating cost of resources essential for raising poultry.
“Our resources that we need for raising the birds have gone up,” Hall explained.
He emphasised the impact of rising shipping costs on feed prices. While the base cost of feed has remained relatively stable, the increased shipping expenses have significantly affected the final price of feed.
However, according to Hall, the issue extends beyond just feed and shipping costs.
“Everything else on the island has gone up for the farmer,” he noted. This also includes materials for chicken pens, improvements to facilities, and general operational costs.
Responding to public concerns about the price increase, Hall asked for understanding from consumers. He pointed out that the last price adjustment was two years ago, despite continual increases in production costs since then.
“We’re very slow at putting up our prices,” he stated, emphasising that the increases are not about boosting profits but about maintaining the quality and sustainability of farmers’ operations.
Hall also highlighted the ongoing costs that farmers face, including maintenance and replacement of equipment such as watering systems.
He stressed the importance of consumers recognising that price increases are necessary for farmers to “make ends meet and put back into their businesses to keep the products coming at a certain standard”.
For now, egg producers, like those represented by the Layer Farmers’ Association, continue to strive for efficiency and cost management, while hoping for understanding from consumers as they adapt to the changing economic landscape.
