Local poultry farmers have started benefitting from a J$50 million subsidy programme being implemented by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ), which is aimed at minimising production costs.

The news comes as consumers have been reeling from another increase in chicken prices and a difference of views on the GOJ’s position to allow the importation of leg quarters at reduced duties to offer some relief to consumers.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Pearnel Charles Jr., who made the announcement about poultry farmers now benefitting from the J$50 million in government subsidy has emphasised that the Holness administration is committed to facilitating the poultry industry’s expansion.

He warned, however, if the price of chicken meat becomes “astronomical” then “we have to protect Jamaicans”.

Addressing the Middlesex Broilers Farmers Association’s annual general meeting (AGM) at Dinthill Technical High on Saturday (February 5), Charles advised that he met with the two major local poultry producers—Jamaica Broilers and Caribbean Broilers—which both indicated their endorsement of the ministry’s initiative to support farmers.

Instituting systems to fill any potential temporary shortage

He said the companies have given an undertaking to instituting systems to fill any potential temporary shortage that may arise and spur the sector’s expansion.

Charles reported that, “the companies also expressed their continued commitment to the poultry sector through a multibillion-dollar investment in the expansion of their hatcheries aimed at strengthening our local capacity to meet demand.”

He pointed out that local producers have been fulfilling approximately 60 per cent of local demand. The minister advanced the argument that while there are policy mechanisms to protect small farmers, his primary mission is to boost production for domestic consumption, and exports to CARICOM and other international markets.

According to the minister, “we want you [poultry farmers] to continue to expand your business”, while underscoring the need for dialogue to identify “practical solutions that benefit our farmers and consumers.”

Charles told the meeting that the ministry’s Research and Development Division has been mandated to collaborate with stakeholders and work towards making the cost of chicken feed more affordable by utilising local production inputs.

He advised that the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) has been pivotal in training and providing farmers with resources to boost output while pointing out that this support will continue to ensure Jamaica does not rely solely on chicken imports to meet domestic consumption demand.