British egg industry in crisis as production costs soar
British egg farmers are facing unprecedented rises in the cost of producing eggs, leaving many on the brink of bankruptcy with hundreds of farms in real danger of going out of business if returns do not significantly improve.
The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has warned that British farmers are losing money on every egg they produce, a situation that has worsened following the invasion of Ukraine. As a result, many are choosing to stop producing eggs rather than lose their farms, resulting in falling numbers of hens in the UK and increasing pressure on supply. The national flock has already declined by around four million in the past year.
Feed increases are at the forefront of the surge in costs, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, which has added 25p to 30p per dozen feed costs on top of cost increases across the supply chain, from pullets to energy, and well-reported labour shortages.
Andrew Joret, chairman of the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC), which represents the industry, said: "The tidal wave of cost increases will see many family farms, some of which have been producing eggs for generations, going under in a matter of days, unless something is done quickly."
According to the BEIC the increase in uncontrollable input costs required to produce eggs, which is currently up by around 30% on farms, shows no signs of slowing down. Availability of British eggs is seriously under threat if these costs are not passed on.
Joret continued: "The situation was unsustainable prior to the terrible war, but feed prices have accelerated dramatically in a way never before seen and farmers cannot absorb these costs and carry on with a viable business.
"Ten years ago, you might typically have paid £1.35 for six medium eggs. Today they often cost less than £1 – a third of the price of a barista coffee.
"Eggs are one of the most undervalued natural whole foods. They provide the whole family with nutritious meals at a fraction of the cost of some other proteins."
BEIC research shows that consumers want to be able to buy British eggs, however, the current crisis means they may not be available in the same numbers if the costs of production are not recognised in the price.
Joret concludes: "It is our top priority to keep up the usual supply of British eggs, the majority of which are produced to the world-leading quality and welfare standards set by the Lion Code, which are enjoyed by so many people around the UK every day.
"However, without rapid recognition of the seriousness of the situation, a significant number of British farmers won't survive."
Photo: Nicky Rhodes/Shutterstock
