Minister urges egg-pricing investigation

WA egg producers’ plea for a consumer watchdog probe into the industry’s pricing competitiveness is gathering momentum, with the McGowan Government throwing its support behind the calls.

Today, Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced she had written to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission urging an investigation to be launched.

The letter, written in conjunction with WA Commerce Minister John Quigley, labels an inquiry into the mislabelling of eggs as free range an urgent priority.

It comes as the State’s egg producers, led by Forrestdale-based egg farmer Joe Sacca, warn small businesses are cracking under high feed costs and low egg prices amid the major supermarkets’ pricing battle.

One Nation Senator Peter Georgiou vented concern about the egg industry after meeting with sector figureheads last month.

Mr Georgiou has written to Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud requesting a meeting to discuss the issue.