Opposition concerned about hike in price of poultry meat

Opposition Spokesperson on Agriculture Lothan Cousins says he is concerned about the rapid increases in the price of poultry meat in the local market.

Cousins says the hike is causing a heavy burden on Jamaicans who rely on the popular protein for daily sustenance.

He is calling for the Ministry of Agriculture to use its resources to intervene to ease the burden on the poor.

He is suggesting that this be done by supporting poultry farmers who are now in need of day-old chicks and feed to restart operations after tropical storm Ida.

Cousins says small farmers who produce some 30% of local output were severely impacted by the flood rains associated with the weather system. 

Consequently, He is appealing for help to facilitate the farmers achieving a speedy recovery, which he says could take place in five to six weeks.

He says if the Ministry does not assist, the country could be left to the mercy of broiler companies.  

Cousins says Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green should convene an urgent meeting of industry players to discuss the present state of the poultry industry.  

In addition, he says the meeting should also focus on formulating a plan and strategy to ensure that Jamaicans can access adequate supplies of chicken meat.

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