U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has announced that the Biden administration is prioritizing efforts to reduce egg prices in the United States, a move that comes amid rising food costs and ongoing supply chain challenges. Rollins, who was confirmed by the Senate last week, emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing inflation and food affordability during her inaugural interview as Secretary.
In her conversation with Breitbart News, Rollins highlighted that President Trump has made it clear that lowering food prices is a critical part of his agenda. She noted that the issue of rising egg prices has become particularly urgent, with current prices reaching levels not seen in nearly 40 years. The surge in costs has been exacerbated by factors including inflation and widespread avian flu outbreaks that have impacted poultry farms across the nation.
Rollins, who previously worked in the Trump administration and founded the America First Policy Institute, expressed her determination to tackle these challenges head-on. She shared that shortly after her confirmation, she participated in briefings focused on the avian flu and its implications for egg prices. Rollins has already engaged with President Trump and key economic advisors to discuss potential actions that could be taken to alleviate the situation.
During her interview, Rollins acknowledged the significant impact that rising food prices have on American families, particularly mothers trying to provide for their households. She conveyed her personal connection to the issue, stating that as a mother of four teenagers, she understands the struggles many families face when grocery shopping.
The USDA’s recent assessments indicate that inflation has hit food prices hard, with egg prices being particularly affected. Stores have begun limiting the number of eggs customers can purchase due to supply shortages. Rollins indicated that the administration is exploring various strategies to combat these issues, including biosecurity measures to protect poultry from disease and efforts to repopulate farms that have lost significant numbers of egg-laying hens.
Rollins also mentioned the potential for learning from other countries, such as Canada, which has successfully implemented vaccination programs for poultry to mitigate the effects of avian flu. She acknowledged that while there are many avenues to explore, it will take time to see significant improvements, and there is no quick fix to the challenges at hand.
As the administration prepares to unveil specific actions in the coming weeks, Rollins reassured the public that the USDA is committed to addressing the root causes of rising egg prices and ensuring that such issues do not persist in the future. The focus will be on implementing long-term solutions that aim to stabilize food prices and support American farmers. More details from Rollins regarding the USDA’s plans are expected to be released soon.