US egg prices may rise 25 percent on better welfare

 

 

US consumers would have to pay 25-percent more for eggs soon if animal rights activists succeed in getting only non-cage eggs sold in the US, said a new study by economic consulting firm, Promar International.

 

The increase would cost consumers an additional US$2.6 billion each year, which would further strain consumer budgets during a difficult economic climate, said the study.

 

Federal spending on food assistance programmes for children and the needy also would increase by US$169 million annually if the government could only purchase cage-free eggs, said the study.

 

Such a sharp price increase could lead to a significant growth of egg imports that have lower food safety and animal welfare standards than the US. Egg imports could rise from virtually zero to seven billion eggs  annually, which would severely strain the ability of the US food safety inspection system, according to the study.

 

Gene Gregory, president of United Egg Producers, noted that more imports would also likely increase the carbon footprint of a dozen eggs since they would be transported over long distances.

 

Eggs are produced commercially in 49 states, with about 95 percent of layers in the US housed in modern cage facilities. The cost to farmers of converting their modern hen houses into cage-free facilities would be US$7.5 billion, the study estimates. The availability of credit and local permits could be a major obstacle for many farmers.