JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 26th September 2024-The government of Antigua and Barbuda and Layer Farmers Association have agreed to work collaboratively to maintain the wholesale price of eggs at $13 per dozen for the next forty-five (45) days.
This decision was made in round robin meeting of the Cabinet on 25th September, during which members considered a report submitted by the Hon. Anthony Smith, Minister for Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy, who is also the chairman of the Cabinet-appointed working group tasked with reviewing the proposed wholesale price increase on locally produced eggs.
Cabinet was informed by Minister Smith, that following a meeting, members of the working group, which included the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Agriculture, the Chief Veterinary Officer, and the Veterinary Officer on Poultry from the Ministry of Agriculture, along with representatives from the Layer Farmers Association, that an agreement was reached to work collaboratively to facilitate an in-depth review and analysis of the pricing of locally produced eggs.
As a result, Cabinet revisited its decision made on 18th September 2024, which stemmed from the Layer Farmers Association announcing an increase in the price of eggs per dozen to $18; and agreed as follows:
- To reinstate the requirement for importers of eggs to pay all applicable duties and taxes; and
- To reinstate the requirement for importers of eggs to obtain a licence from the Ministry of Trade.
Over the next forty-five (45) days, both the government and the Layer Farmers Association will collaborate on the development of a detailed plan to assist in reducing the cost of local egg production while improving the reliability and standards for the industry, which will be submitted for the consideration of Cabinet.
The government reaffirms its support and commitment to the establishment, sustainability and growth of indigenous businesses and to provide the framework necessary to enable all Antiguans and Barbudans to contribute to the economic development and prosperity of the state.
The new decision of the Cabinet takes effect from Friday 27th September 2024.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne said:
The Layer Association has reduced egg prices to $13, pending a study to determine their cost structure, how they could improve efficiency, and any additional intervention the government could make to assist them. Tariffs restored.
