Shoppers face the prospect of egg shortages this year amid a threatened “mass exodus” of fed-up farmers.
Industry leaders say spiralling feed and energy costs are pushing many British producers to breaking point.
Farmers turning away from the trade could lead to the loss of hundreds of millions of home-grown eggs from shop shelves in the coming months.
The threat comes as the British Free Range Egg Producers Association claims supermarkets have failed to help members cover the jump in costs by raising prices enough.
It surveyed producers last week and found that 51% of farmers are seriously considering stopping production until the price they are paid improves.
A further 18% said they will make their decision about future production at the end of their current flock.
More than 70% said they would leave egg production within a year if a price rise isn’t forthcoming.
Robert Gooch, chief executive of BFREPA, said: “There are clear and obvious cost increases being heaped upon farmers, and retailers simply aren’t sufficiently adjusting the retail price.
“Any price increases being made are too little and too slow.”
He added: “They are suffocating businesses.”
