Egg prices decline to $13 per dozen for next 45 days: PM Gaston Browne

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda have finally settled for maintaining the wholesale price of eggs at $13 per dozen for the next 45 days. This decision has been undertaken by the administration in collaboration with the Layers Farmers Association, effective from 27^th September, 2024.

The decision has been taken following the reviewing of the proposed wholesale price increase on locally produced eggs in a round robin meeting of the Cabinet held on 25^th September, 2024.

During the meeting, the report submitted by Anthony Smith, Minister for Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy, was reevaluated by the authorities, resulting them to resolute to the decision of reducing the price of the local eggs for the upcoming 45 days.

Notably, Minister Smith, who also holds the portfolio of Chairman for the Cabinet-appointed working group, was handed a task to facilitate a detailed and in-depth review and analysis of the recently wholesale price increase on the eggs.

This Cabinet appointed working group includes, the Director of Agriculture, the Permanent Secretary, the Veterinary Officer and the Chief Veterinary Officer on Poultry from the Ministry of Agriculture, along with representatives from the Layer Farmers Association.

As a result, the Cabinet members revisited the decision, took by them on 18th September 2024, which stemmed from the Association announcing an increase in the price of eggs per dozen to $18; and agreed as follows:

• ⁠To reinstate the need for importers of eggs to pay all applicable duties and taxes
• ⁠To reinstate the need for the buyer of eggs to obtain a licence from the Ministry of Trade.

Moreover, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne also shared the picture of the eggs with its tag price and stated that Today’s egg prices are bubbling nicely. The prices of the eggs for the next 45 days have settled down at $6.49 for half dozen and $13.00 per dozen.

The Prime Minister Gaston Browne reiterated his commitment to the establishment, sustainability and growth of indigenous businesses and to prove the framework to enable all Antiguans and Barbudans to contribute to the economic development and prosperity of the state.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Layer Farmers Association have mutually decided to collaborate for over the next 45 days.

They both will work on the development of a detailed plan with a vision to assist in reducing the cost of local egg production, aiming to enhance its reliability and standards for the industry. This detailed plan will later be submitted by the Government and the Layers Farmers Association for the consideration of the Cabinet.