President Donald J. Trump‘s Department of Agriculture Secretary (USDA), Brooke Rollins, has laid out a plan to reduce egg prices. “This five-point strategy won’t erase the problem overnight, but we’re confident that it will restore stability to the egg market over the next three to six months,” Rollins said on Wednesday, adding: “This approach will also ensure stability over the next four years and beyond.”
Egg prices have climbed significantly in recent months, driven largely by a widespread disease outbreak that has resulted in poultry cullings limiting supply. President Trump’s administration has been committed to lowering consumer costs, a key campaign promise for the America First leader. Recent polls suggest addressing this issue is crucial to maintaining the President’s favorable approval ratings.
Rollins pointed to ongoing incidents of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, as a significant factor causing the price increase. To combat this, she announced a $1 billion investment dedicated to controlling bird flu, funded partly by savings identified by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The investment includes $500 million for biosecurity initiatives to help stop the flu’s spread among poultry producers. Another $400 million is earmarked for those producers experiencing significant production declines due to the flu, and $100 million will support vaccine research.
Currently, poultry farmers typically cull infected flocks to combat flu outbreaks. However, Rollins expressed optimism that vaccinations could lessen the need for this practice, ensuring a more stable supply. Additionally, she promised to explore possibilities for deregulating the industry to promote efficiency, and is considering egg imports as a temporary measure to boost supply.
