The Caribbean Poultry Association (CPA) is boasting of its accomplishments, including its contribution to regional food security and protecting local markets, as it celebrates 25 years of existence.

Speaking at the opening session of the Caribbean Poultry Association 8th International Technical Symposium themed ‘Beyond Farming: The True Impact of Poultry’, CPA President Hamant Mahabir said the CPA has played a pivotal role in advancing food security, economic development and agricultural resilience throughout the Caribbean region.

“The CPA has grown from its humble beginnings to become much more than a trade association. It is now a symbol of regional cooperation and resilience in the region. The CPA has demonstrated time and again the strength of our collective efforts when we unite around shared goals, confront challenges together, and strive for excellence,” he said.

“Today, as we celebrate 25 years of service to the Caribbean, we take pride in the collective progress we have made in advocating for policies that safeguard our industry and elevate agribusiness within our region. Our theme for this landmark occasion, Beyond Farming: the True Impact of Poultry, is especially fitting. “It reminds us that while we are farmers, producers, processors, and entrepreneurs, our work resonates far beyond the boundaries of our farms and enterprises. This industry supports food security, generates thousands of jobs, bolsters economic activity, and contributes meaningfully to national and regional development,” Mahabir continued.

He added: “The association has played a key role in shaping policies on trade, food safety, and agricultural health standards. Today, the CPA’s mandate remains as critical as ever. It is focused on achieving regional self-sufficiency in meat and egg production, replacing extra-regional imports with local output, and supporting the expansion of value-added products.”

The CPA was conceived in February 1999, when Caribbean poultry industry leaders convened to address the urgent issue of poultry imports entering the region, which was significantly disrupting regional production and threatening the economic stability of the poultry industry.

The challenges identified struck a common chord among participants, all of whom recognised the shared nature of the threat. The outcome was unanimous, Mahabir said.

He revealed that the CPA’s current board consists of directors from various parts of the region, including Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, with plans in the future to expand this regional representation.

Mahabir said that since the formation of the CPA, it has continually championed the interests of its members through advocacy, research, capacity building, and active engagement with governments and intergovernmental organisations.

The CPA is also guided by the following watchwords: One industry, One Caribbean and One voice, which symbolises the region’s collective effort in improving the poultry industry. “These simple but profound words reflect the belief that the Caribbean’s success in the poultry industry is neither the responsibility of one nation nor one enterprise but the collective effort of all. Whether it’s our involvement in trade negotiations, managing industry health crises, or responding to emerging global trends, we are strongest when we stand united,” Mahabir added.

He further revealed that the challenges that Caribbean states face are shared, and so too must be their solutions. “As we celebrate this 25th anniversary, we mark a significant milestone that gives us a moment to pause and reflect on the tremendous progress we have achieved and the successes we’ve realised.”

He noted that a 2001 study commissioned by the CPA and conducted by a consultant team to evaluate the competitiveness of the Caribbean poultry industry revealed that the future growth of the regional industry relies on its capacity to replace imported frozen products, diversify into ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook options, and most crucially, undergo internal restructuring to enhance competitiveness.

“Since that time, significant strides have been made. Private sector investments have flourished across the region. In Jamaica, for instance, industry players have introduced innovative value-added products and launched modern growing and processing plants, as well as established state-of-the-art research and development facilities.

“Throughout the Caribbean, feed production facilities have been modernised, poultry houses have been designed to be powered by renewable energy, and grains have been cultivated in countries like Belize and Guyana. These accomplishments reflect a shared narrative of innovation and visionary leadership across the region,” Mahabir added.