Local Egg Production in Estonia Reaches New Heights

Estonia has reported a significant increase in local egg production, with 189.5 million eggs produced in 2024. This marks a 6% rise compared to the previous year, according to statistics provided by Statistics Estonia.

Rising Production Rates

The data indicates that the average annual egg production in Estonia reached 138 eggs per person. Overall consumption, including imported eggs, amounted to 16.2 kilograms or approximately 259 eggs per person over the course of the year. This growth in local production underscores the country’s efforts to boost food self-sufficiency.

Ege Kirs, leading analyst at Statistics Estonia, noted that the poultry sector has been on an upswing in recent years. “Last year, the poultry laid a total of 11,800 tonnes of eggs. The bulk of egg production comes from a few large farms, which are also the main contributors to production growth and decline,” Kirs explained.

Poultry Count and Market Balance

As of the end of 2024, Estonia was home to 2.4 million poultry, of which a substantial 97% comprised hens and cocks. The remaining 78,200 were categorized as other types of poultry.

In addition to local production, Estonia imported 12,700 tonnes of egg products last year, with whole eggs making up 71% of these imports. In contrast, egg exports totaled 2,300 tonnes in 2024. Overall, Estonians consumed a total of 356.1 million eggs, or 22,200 tonnes, representing a 9% increase from the previous year. The vast majority of these eggs are consumed for food, as production for hatching purposes has nearly ceased in the country.

Self-Sufficiency Levels

By analyzing the figures on production alongside consumption, Estonia's self-sufficiency rate for eggs can be calculated. Last year, this figure stood at 53%, indicating that about half of the eggs consumed in Estonia were produced locally.

This shift towards greater self-sufficiency not only highlights the viability of the local poultry industry but also contributes to food security in Estonia as consumers increasingly seek locally sourced products.

Conclusion

As Estonia continues to expand its local egg production and reduce reliance on imports, the poultry sector appears poised for further growth. This development is beneficial not only for local farmers but also for consumers who prefer home-produced goods. As the industry adapts and evolves, these trends will likely shape the future of food consumption and agricultural practices in Estonia.