Not so egg-cellent...

Free range egg producers want an immediate price increase as the cost of feed continues to rise.

Dry weather has caused poor crop yields across Europe’s major wheat-growing countries and the knock-on effect is being felt by egg producers, with some reporting a 50% increase in feed costs.

Robert Gooch of the British Free Range Egg Producers Association says the situation is unsustainable: “Last month, we saw tough market conditions drive a major business, with 17 producers out of business and I fear there will be more. Every time the price of feed rises, the small margin producers make is eroded and it doesn’t take much to turn profit into loss.”

As well as a price rise, Mr Gooch says retailers should offer contracts that link the price of feed with the price of eggs.