The CB Group and Devenish Nutrition have partnered to commission the first research and development (R&D) facility for growing broiler chickens in a tropical climate in the Americas, valued at over US$1 million.

The facility based at The Nest, CB Group’s eco-industrial park, also home to its CB Chicken Air Chill Plant, was opened on Friday, October 25.

At the opening ceremony, CB Group Chief Executive Officer Matthew Lyn explained that the facility is aimed at pioneering research and development to improve local efficiency, productivity and competitiveness within a global industry.

“Poultry is an extremely competitive industry worldwide and we must do everything we can to be as efficient as possible and do what’s best for our country. We’re really excited about this partnership because of the significant potential to enhance performance not only for Jamaica but for all farmers operating in similar environmental conditions,” he stated.

The facility is expected to help fill a gap in the existing research. Whereas much of the scientific methods that poultry producers use in the Caribbean are based on research done in other climatic conditions, this facility will be tailored to the unique conditions in the tropics where there is high temperature and high humidity. The facility will be utilised to scientifically test variables such as feed formulations,
housing conditions, and breeds to determine the best combination for the region.

Making mention of recent market volatility due to factors such as the pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and even recent instability in the Middle East, Tony McEntee, CEO of Devenish Nutrition, which is headquartered in Northern Ireland, called the partnership, “a step toward food security, self-sufficiency and improving [the] export potential for Jamaica, and a game changer for the poultry community worldwide.”

The opening of this R&D facility was also endorsed by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green.

“It’s critical because if we are going to continue growing, and if we are going to be sustainable, then it has to be based on research. It has to be based on research that is not done abroad and imported here but research done here for us. And I really want to commend the approach that’s being taken by the Caribbean Broilers team,” he said.

In additional comments, he noted that the performance of the local poultry sector has increased by 25 per cent over the past 10 years, with the majority of growth attributed to the small independent farmers who constitute approximately 40 per cent of the industry.

See additional images from the opening: