Egg Shortage Looms as Deadline for Cage-Free Farming Approaches: Industry Warning

For several months now, the United States has been experiencing an egg shortage like never before. The unprecedented demand for eggs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting panic-buying has led to empty shelves in grocery stores and restaurants scrambling to find alternate sources of eggs. The egg shortage has also caused the price of eggs to skyrocket, leaving many consumers frustrated and wondering when the shortage will finally end. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the egg shortage, the efforts being made to increase production, and the timeline for when we can expect to see a resolution to this problem.


The Poultry Industry Association has warned that there could be a shortage of eggs for several months unless supermarkets extend the deadline for farmers to switch to a cage-free industry. The government committed to phasing out battery cages by 2022, offering farmers the options of free-range, barn raised or colony housing. In 2017, Countdown and Foodstuffs announced that they would buy only from free-range or barn raised farms, resulting in shortages since many farmers had chosen colony cages, which they could not afford to replace. Despite some mixed messaging about the level of discussion between farmers and supermarkets, the latter appear unlikely to reverse their decision.


In conclusion, the egg shortage has been a significant concern for the agricultural industry and consumers alike. While there are indications that the situation may improve in the coming months, it is still unclear when the shortage will come to a definitive end. Factors such as weather conditions, disease outbreaks, and demand fluctuations all play a role in egg production, making it difficult to predict the future of the market. However, farmers and industry experts continue to work tirelessly to increase production and find solutions to the current situation. As consumers, we can do our part by supporting local producers and being mindful of our egg consumption. Only time will tell when the egg shortage will come to an end, but with perseverance and collaboration, the industry will overcome this challenge.