The seventh international Caribbean Poultry Association (CPA) technical symposium kicked off on Tuesday, underscoring the critical importance of agriculture in the Caribbean.
Joseph Cox, assistant secretary-general of Economic Integration, Innovation and Development at the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat, highlighted agriculture’s historical significance as a cornerstone of Caribbean economies.
He stressed its role in providing livelihoods, nourishing communities, and shaping cultural identities.
Challenges facing the agriculture sector
Despite its historical significance, Cox outlined the sector’s challenges, including climate change, land degradation, water scarcity, and market volatility.
These challenges threaten the long-term viability and resilience of agriculture in the region.
Theme: Sustainability & resilience in the Caribbean Poultry Sector
The three-day event revolves around the theme “Sustainability & Resilience in the Caribbean Poultry Sector.”
Cox emphasized the impact of recent geopolitical conflicts on global trade, leading to logistics challenges and supply chain bottlenecks affecting the agriculture sector, including poultry.
Poultry Industry’s role in Caricom’s vision
Cox highlighted the poultry industry’s pivotal role in Caricom’s vision to reduce the food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.
He emphasized the need for increased production and productivity through investment, digitization, and the adoption of new technologies.
Regional poultry trade dynamics
Poultry ranks as the highest imported meat product in the region, with significant imports recorded in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and The Bahamas.
While Belize and Guyana are self-sufficient in poultry production, other countries like Jamaica face challenges due to reliance on imports for hatching eggs.
Addressing challenges in poultry supply chains
Cox discussed the impact of the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in the US on the region’s poultry supply chains.
He highlighted efforts by regional veterinary officers to develop response plans to ensure a steady supply of hatching eggs and day-old chicks for food security.
Investment opportunities in the poultry sector
Despite challenges, Cox emphasized the significant investment opportunities in the poultry sector, estimated at US$150 million.
He noted the sector’s role in stimulating economic growth and creating employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain, particularly in rural communities.
Policy imperatives for sustainable growth
Cox stressed the importance of creating a supportive policy environment to foster the growth and sustainability of the Caribbean poultry industry.
He emphasized the need for policies that prioritize sustainable practices, food safety, quality, and market access for smallholder farmers.
The role of CSME in regional integration
Referencing the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), Cox highlighted its role in providing an enabling environment for Caribbean growth and development.
He emphasized the importance of regional policies and rules in governing human and animal health and trade, as outlined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
Trinidad and Tobago’s perspective
Finance Minister Colm Imbert, also Trinidad and Tobago’s acting Prime Minister, underscored the significance of poultry production in ensuring food security and national identity.
He highlighted the sector’s role in providing high-quality protein and stimulating related industries, emphasizing its importance to the nation’s diets and economy.
Unlocking potential for growth
Imbert noted the poultry industry’s potential in addressing high food prices in the Caribbean, citing its annual gross income estimated at over US$500 million.
He emphasized the importance of environmentally sustainable and economically viable growth to meet increasing demands for protein and ensure food sovereignty.
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