The South African egg industry has celebrated World Egg Day, an occasion marked this year by the theme “United by eggs.” The theme resonates with the local industry, which faces significant challenges, including the relentless impact of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. Dr. Abongile Balarane, CEO of the South African Poultry Association’s Egg Organisation, emphasized the importance of this theme, noting how it celebrates the ability of eggs to connect and unite people across the globe. He highlighted that South Africa is a proud member of the International Egg Commission, which underlines the country’s commitment to the global egg community.
The industry also showcases its resilience through initiatives such as the Egg Master Plan, aimed at fostering growth and transformation. Just recently, the first transformation project under this plan—a new aggregation pack station—was launched in Gauteng. This milestone was achieved through a partnership between the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and the egg industry, illustrating the united efforts to strengthen the sector amid the ongoing challenges.
Eggs play a significant role in South Africa’s economy, ranking as the fourth-largest animal protein source with an agricultural value of R14.5 billion and a retail value of around R26 billion. Despite its economic importance, the industry is feeling the strain of bird flu and escalating input costs. The bird flu outbreak has severely impacted egg production and consumption, with per capita egg consumption dropping from 148 in 2022 to 123 in 2023. This decline in consumption reflects rising egg prices and the devastation wrought by bird flu, which has led to the destruction of nearly 30% of the local industry.
Under normal circumstances, South Africa’s egg industry operates with a national flock of approximately 27 million hens, producing around 7.8 billion eggs annually. However, the impact of bird flu has reduced production levels drastically, with numerous farmers being forced out of business due to financial pressures. The South African Poultry Association, which represents about 85% to 90% of national egg production, has seen its membership decline from 200 in 2021 to around 170 today. Dr. Balarane attributes this to high input costs for feed, electricity, and fuel, combined with the ongoing bird flu crisis, which has disproportionately affected smaller producers.
Restocking affected farms has been another challenge, as many farmers lack access to financing and government compensation. While discussions about using vaccines to control the spread of bird flu continue, the immediate outlook remains difficult for many in the industry. Dr. Balarane’s comments underscore the harsh realities facing the sector and highlight the need for sustained support and intervention to help it recover.
The egg industry’s tenacity is admirable, since it continues to thrive despite these challenges. World Egg Day is an occasion to highlight the industry’s power and togetherness, as well as the hard work and dedication of those who work to keep it alive. The Egg Master Plan and other transformation projects demonstrate the industry’s determination to adapt and expand in the face of adversity. To preserve the long-term viability of South Africa’s egg business, continued efforts and joint assistance from both the public and commercial sectors will be required.
