Why is the price of free range eggs increasing?

The price of free-range eggs is increasing due to a combination of factors:

Increased Demand:

* Consumer preference: There is a growing demand for free-range eggs due to consumer concerns about animal welfare and the perceived health benefits of free-range eggs. This increased demand has outpaced supply.

* Limited availability: The number of free-range hens is limited, which makes it harder to keep up with the increasing demand.

* Inflation: The general increase in prices across the board has also affected the price of eggs.

Increased Costs:

* Feed prices: The cost of feed for chickens has been rising due to factors like the war in Ukraine, climate change, and global supply chain issues. This directly impacts the cost of producing eggs.

* Labor costs: The cost of labor for farm workers has also increased, which contributes to the higher price of eggs.

* Energy costs: The cost of energy, used for heating and lighting chicken coops, has increased significantly, adding to the cost of egg production.

* Regulations: Increased regulations around animal welfare and food safety can add to the cost of production for free-range farms.

* Transportation: The rising fuel costs impact the price of transporting eggs from the farm to the consumer.

Other Factors:

* Disease outbreaks: Outbreaks of avian influenza have led to culls of chickens, further reducing the supply of eggs.

* Weather events: Extreme weather events can affect feed production and the health of chickens, leading to price fluctuations.

In short, the price of free-range eggs is increasing because of a complex interplay between increased demand, rising costs, and external factors.