The program that Washington state uses to ensure fresh, clean and properly labeled eggs needs an inspection fee increase, say officials.  The .018 cents per dozen increase would be the first in 12 years under a state proposal.

Fees paid by egg processors would increase from .25 cents per dozen to .26 cents June 30 and then to .268 cents per dozen July 1.  Officials say the increase is needed to cover program costs.  The program has operated at a deficit for the first time in
more than 30 years.

In 1997, Washington state ranked 17th for production; 1.4 billion eggs were produced at a value of $76.4 million.  Eggs ranked as the 15th most important commodity in terms of income returned to farmers.