By Samantha Simon
The Ministry of Agriculture hosted a series of monthly consultations with local poultry farmers aimed at developing solutions for sustainable egg production, which concluded on November 28’
The final session, led by Veterinary Officer Dr Chere Kellman, concentrated on resolving egg pricing challenges that have increasingly impacted local producers.
The consultations revealed a stark economic divide within the industry with local farmer Sheldon Gibson providing detailed insights into the operational challenges, particularly highlighting how smaller operations face disproportionate financial pressures.
According to Gibson, smaller farms with limited bird capacity often operate at minimal profits or encounter losses, while larger operations demonstrate greater resilience to market pressures.
Multiple operational challenges emerged during the discussions.
Farmers face significant obstacles with feed-related issues, including both cost and quality concerns.
Gibson also emphasised that maintaining a productive flock requires substantial weekly feed investments, with quality directly impacting egg production.
Additionally, farmers contend with security challenges, as both human and animal intruders can cause substantial losses through theft and mortality of laying hens.
The financial impact is particularly severe given the extended timeline and investment required to raise replacement chicks to production age.
Rising production costs, primarily driven by imported feed prices, also continue to strain operational budgets, especially as market competition from imported eggs, often available at lower price points, undermines local producers’ market position.
In response to these challenges, the consultations produced several strategic recommendations.
The farmers proposed implementation of government feed subsidies or partnership programmes aimed to address the fundamental cost pressures facing producers.
Despite noting that attendance was affected by logistical and resource constraints, Dr Kellman characterised the consultations as being “somewhat fruitful”, emphasising the valuable insights gained into the local egg industry’s challenges and opportunities.
