They are backing him up.
Experts agree that while the current egg crisis won’t be resolved overnight, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ $1 billion plan to address the issue is a significant step forward. The strategy focuses on mitigating the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu), which has caused widespread outbreaks and severe disruptions in the U.S. egg supply. Farmers support this targeted approach, which they believe will help stabilize production and reduce egg prices.
The five-pronged strategy involves investing $500 million into biosecurity measures, providing $400 million in financial relief to affected farmers, and dedicating $100 million to vaccine research. The plan also aims to reduce regulatory burdens and explore temporary import options to alleviate the ongoing shortages. Emily Metz, CEO of the American Egg Board, emphasized that the plan creates a clear path toward recovery, particularly as egg demand remains high, with Americans relying on eggs for over two years of consistent demand.
Industry leaders such as Dr. Craig Rowles, Chief Science Officer at Versova, agree that while there is no immediate solution to the crisis, the government’s plan aligns with the needs of egg farmers. Rowles highlighted the importance of exploring comprehensive vaccine strategies in collaboration with industry experts, government agencies, and international partners, as bird flu is a global issue. Garrett Hawkins, president of the Missouri Farm Bureau, also praised the $1 billion initiative but cautioned that the road to recovery will take time and patience.
In the wake of ongoing bird flu outbreaks, many restaurants and grocery stores have been forced to impose surcharges or limit egg purchases. The USDA confirmed 36 outbreaks across nine states as of February 21, with over 26 million birds lost in 2025 alone. January saw a staggering 18.8 million commercial egg layers affected, marking the highest monthly loss since the virus spread rapidly. Consequently, egg prices soared by 15.2% in January, the largest increase since June 2015, and are projected to rise over 40% in 2025, according to the Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.
