Egg prices in Maryland have skyrocketed in 2025, leaving consumers and businesses grappling with unprecedented costs for a household staple. While price fluctuations in the food market are not uncommon, this year’s egg price surge has reached record levels, sparking concerns about supply chain stability, consumer affordability, and policy measures to address the issue.

A Spike Fueled by Multiple Factors

The dramatic rise in egg prices can be attributed to a combination of factors, including ongoing impacts of avian influenza outbreaks, heightened feed costs, and labor shortages in the poultry industry. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, the average price of a dozen eggs in Maryland has risen to $5.20, a stark increase from the $2.80 average reported at the start of 2024.

Farmers across the state have reported challenges stemming from the resurgence of bird flu, which led to significant culling of flocks in late 2024. The Maryland Department of Agriculture confirmed that nearly 3.2 million hens were affected in the state alone, further tightening the already stressed egg supply.

Economic Impact on Households

For Maryland residents, the spike in egg prices has become a major point of discussion. Many households have been forced to cut back on purchasing eggs or find alternative sources of protein to balance their budgets.

“I used to buy eggs every week for my family,” said Sarah Whitman, a mother of three in Baltimore. “Now, I’m paying double what I used to, and that’s money we need for other groceries.”

Eggs have traditionally been one of the most affordable and versatile sources of protein for low- and middle-income families. The price increase has disproportionately affected these groups, making a once-reliable food item less accessible.

Strain on Businesses and Restaurants

Restaurants and bakeries in Maryland are also feeling the pinch, as eggs play a crucial role in a wide variety of dishes and baked goods. Many businesses have been forced to pass along the increased costs to their customers, while others are looking for ways to adjust their menus.

John Miller, the owner of a local diner in Annapolis, explained, “Our breakfast menu relies heavily on eggs, from omelets to pancakes. We’ve raised prices slightly, but we’re worried about losing customers. It’s a tough balance.”

The Maryland Restaurant Association noted that some establishments are exploring plant-based egg substitutes to maintain profitability, though this may come at the cost of altering traditional recipes.

Government Measures and Public Concerns

State and federal agencies are aware of the rising egg prices and their impact. The Maryland Department of Agriculture has issued guidelines for poultry farmers on biosecurity measures to prevent further outbreaks of avian flu. These include enhanced sanitization protocols and stricter monitoring of flock health.

Meanwhile, the federal government is exploring options to stabilize feed costs, which have risen due to inflation and global supply chain disruptions. The USDA has pledged to provide financial assistance to farmers struggling to recover from avian influenza outbreaks. However, critics argue that these measures may take months to show results, leaving consumers and businesses to bear the brunt of the crisis in the short term.

Environmental advocates are also raising questions about the long-term sustainability of industrial egg production. Groups like the Maryland League of Conservation Voters have called for increased investment in small-scale, local egg farming to reduce reliance on large operations that are more vulnerable to disease outbreaks and market volatility.

What Lies Ahead?

While some analysts predict that egg prices may begin to stabilize by the second half of 2025, the path to recovery remains uncertain. Factors such as the speed of flock repopulation, continued inflationary pressures, and global feed market dynamics will play a key role in determining the trajectory of prices.

In the meantime, experts are encouraging Maryland residents to explore alternative options. Local farmers’ markets may offer eggs at lower prices compared to large retailers, and some communities are turning to backyard chicken farming as a way to reduce reliance on store-bought eggs.

Conclusion

Maryland’s unprecedented egg price increases in 2025 have highlighted vulnerabilities in the food supply chain and underscored the need for proactive measures to support both farmers and consumers. While government agencies work to address the root causes of the crisis, Marylanders are finding creative ways to adapt to this new normal.

As the state grapples with these challenges, one thing is clear: the humble egg, once an everyday grocery item, has become a symbol of broader economic and agricultural struggles in 2025.

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