NEWS TO US: Farmers say no agreement reached with Gov’t on egg prices

Valerie Edwards, the General Secretary of the Layer Farmers’ Association, expressed surprise at the government’s announcement yesterday that they had reached an agreement to prevent an increase in egg prices.

“There was never an agreement between the association and the government”, Edwards said in an article written by Observer’s Robert Emmanuel.

“So I don’t know where they come up with that because we told them that what was discussed in the Cabinet that we needed to take it back to the members,” she was quoted as saying.

The latest report from the Cabinet indicated that it has successfully averted an immediate rise in egg prices following negotiations with the Layer Farmers’ Association.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne had previously cautioned local farmers that the government was contemplating the removal of duties, taxes, and restrictions on imported eggs in order to regulate prices.

During a Wednesday Cabinet meeting, industry representatives requested a $2 hike in wholesale egg prices, citing excessive heat, which is decreasing egg production and increasing feed costs.

The Cabinet members pointed out that climate conditions were the same in neighbouring islands and the cost of feed did not significantly increase there; further, the cost of a dozen eggs was below the amount which customer’s in Antigua and Barbuda now pay.

According to the notes, following intense discussion, it was agreed that a study will be undertaken by an accounting firm within the next 60 days to determine the cost which farmers incur to produce one dozen eggs; that amount was not known by the representatives of the Poultry Association.

The Cabinet also agreed to the establishment of a Poultry Board made up of five to seven members, drawn from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Poultry Association, an accountant, the Chief Veterinary Officer, and others; they will determine the reasonable cost of poultry products to consumers and not have that decision made by those who produce eggs and grow poultry for meat.

The Cabinet also decided that the discount promised on APUA water would be enacted; and the practice of having the Poultry Association import feed to sell to its own members was not in accord with good business practice.

The Cabinet said it was fearful of creating an “egg cartel“ that would exploit consumers.