UK free-range egg producers call for higher prices

The UK’s free-range egg producers need to see a significant and immediate increase in the price they receive to maintain supplies in the long term, according to the country’s National Farmers' Union. Free-range producers have struggled for 18 months with rising costs, low egg prices and an oversupply in the free-range market, said the National Farmers' Union. However, since January 1 and the introduction of the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive, egg supplies have tightened across the UK and Europe, leading to increases in the price of cage and barn eggs, but no corresponding move in the free-range market. National Farmers' Union poultry board chairman Charles Bourns has called on the supply chain to recognize the significant shift that is taking place in the egg market and to ensure that the British free-range industry retains its ability to invest in the future. “Egg producers have responded to both legal requirements and market demand over the years by converting to new enriched cages and free-range production, making significant investments in the process,” said Bourns. “Many have borrowed serious amounts of money to invest in new buildings in the run up to the conventional cage ban. Producers have been struggling to meet capital repayments and run profitable businesses. We know the market has been affected by oversupply until recently, but there are very clear signs it is now on the turn. Free-range producers need to see a significant increase in the price they receive that reflects the cost of production and allows future investment and innovation in business in the future. As it stands, the majority are making a loss and this is now unsustainable. “Retailers in particular need to think about the long-term security and future supply of British free-range eggs and avoid the risk of irreparable damage being done to the free-range egg supply base by not getting the market signals right now.”