A SMALL increase to levies won't make eggs more expensive, the federal government says.
Agriculture Minister Tony Burke today introduced a bill to parliament that seeks to increase the research and development part of the laying chickens levy from 10 cents to 13.5 cents.
Mr Burke said the move, proposed by the egg industry, would help it meet its future research and development goals.
"The government remains committed to supporting jobs in rural industries through increasing productivity and vital research and development," he said.
A document going into more detail about the draft laws found the impact of the increased levy would mainly be felt by hatcheries and egg producers.
Consumers were likely to only enjoy the benefits of the change, including better quality egg products.
"In the short term, the cost of the proposed increase in levy is very low in relation to the retail price of one dozen eggs," the bill's explanatory memorandum stated.
"The cost of the proposed levy increase per dozen eggs will be around ... an additional 0.13 cents from 1 July 2010.
"Due to the competition in the wholesale market for eggs, egg producers would most likely need to absorb the the cost instead of passing it down the supply chain."
Debate on the Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Amendment Bill 2010 was adjourned.
