USDA starts importing eggs from Turkey to tackle supply crisis

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, during a segment on the Fox Business Network's 'Bottom Line', U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced significant measures being taken to address the ongoing egg supply issues worsened by avian flu outbreaks. The United States, facing pressure from rising egg prices, revealed plans to import eggs, specifically from Turkey, to mitigate the immediate shortfall in supply. This announcement comes amidst broader efforts by the USDA to formulate a comprehensive plan to counter the impacts of avian flu on poultry production. Rollins emphasized that the current shortages were not sudden developments but rather the result of a culmination of factors over time. She reassured the public that the USDA is committed to tackling these issues head-on, indicating that they will be unveiling a detailed plan the following day aimed at managing and containing the spread of avian flu. The plan would focus on vaccination strategies, highlighting that only a limited number of countries vaccinate their egg-laying hens against the disease. Rollins' statement pointed out the intricate nature of the issue, which is not solely rooted in avian flu but includes various economic factors. The USDA's approach includes examining regulations deemed as hurdles that have led to inflated egg prices. Rollins acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating that solving the epidemic would require time and persistent efforts. Key stakeholders, including the Texas Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller, have been involved in discussions surrounding these imports, which aim to provide a temporary solution to the pressing egg shortage while long-term strategies are developed and implemented. The announcement was positioned not just as a response to a crisis but as part of an ongoing commitment to ensure egg availability and affordability for consumers across the nation. Overall, the USDA’s combined efforts to manage the avian flu, alongside short-term measures such as importing eggs, reflect a strategic response to one of the most significant agricultural crises facing the U.S. today. As the avian flu continues to plague poultry farms resulting in decreased production, these concerted efforts signify a crucial step towards stabilizing the market and addressing the urgent supply needs for consumers and producers alike.