Egg shortage warning in supermarkets as experts say there's a 'mass exodus' of farmers
dailyrecord.co.ukThe threat of a 'mass exodus' of farmers means shoppers could face a potential egg shortage.According to Industry leaders, British organic and free range chicken farmers are backing off from the business due to rising energy costs and spiralling feed.And this could mean eggless supermarket shelves this year, the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) warned.The BFREPA have said this is due to soaring product costs, which have been a huge strain on egg farmers.The cost of feeding hens has increased by 50%, and energy prices are have hiked to over 40%, while production and labour costs are also steeper than they were six months ago.And a survey carried out by the BFREPA showed scores of farms are considering stopping production at the end of their current flock.Around one in two farmers are seriously considering stopping production until the price they are paid improves, while further 18% said they will make their decision about future production at the end of their current flock.
And more than 70% said they would leave the industry within a year if prices don't rise. Robert Gooch, CEO of BFREPA, said supermarkets aren't doing enough to help farmers cover the cost of rising prices.
He said: "There are clear and obvious cost increases being heaped upon farmers, and retailers simply aren’t sufficiently adjusting the retail price.
Any increases being made are too little and too slow. They are suffocating businesses. "Many of my members are losing money on every egg laid, and our data shows that even those who are making a small profit do not see a long-term future.
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