Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced the liberalization of the egg market in Antigua and Barbuda, responding to the Antigua and Barbuda Layer Farmers Association’s (ABLFA) recent decision to increase egg prices from EC$12.00 to EC$14.00 per dozen.
Browne criticized the association’s lack of cooperation, stating that the government would discontinue protections for non-compliant poultry farmers.
He warned that the price hike could push retail costs to EC$18-19 per dozen, making eggs unaffordable for many.
To counter this, the government will eliminate duties on imported eggs and form a Poultry Development Board to regulate prices and ensure sanitary conditions.
The ABLFA’s general secretary, Valerie Edwards, disputed claims of an agreement with the government to prevent price increases, stating that discussions are ongoing.
A study to assess production costs will be conducted within 60 days.
