– regional poultry sector records steady growth, new investments, and regional recognition

THE Caribbean Poultry Association (CPA) is ramping up its efforts to expand and diversify the region’s poultry industry, reaffirming its commitment to food and nutrition security and regional self-sufficiency.
At its 46th Meeting held on October 9, 2025, CPA Chairman, Hamant Mahabir and the Board of Directors outlined key strides made under the Association’s long-term Strategic Plan, which aims to increase broiler meat production by 200,000 tonnes by 2045.
According to the CPA, the regional poultry sector recorded three per cent growth in 2024, with a further five per cent rise projected for 2025. Annual output is expected to reach 340,000 tonnes, representing 80 per cent of CARICOM’s consumption.
These gains are delivering widespread benefits to stakeholders—from small farmers to large processors—in the grain, broiler, breeder, egg, feed, and value-added product sectors.
REGIONAL COLLABORATION AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING
The Board commended the successful hosting of the Eighth International Technical Symposium and Exhibition, held in Jamaica from May 13–15, 2025, which drew over 200 regional and international delegates. The symposium received high praise for its technical presentations highlighting innovation and efficiency within the poultry industry.
The CPA continues to strengthen stakeholder engagement through farming guidelines, training programmes, and digital expansion, while advocating for policy support and a responsive regulatory framework that reflects the evolving regional agricultural market.
A landmark independent study commissioned by the CPA on the Socio-Economic Impact of Jamaica’s Poultry Industry, conducted by Ernst and Young Services Limited, revealed the significant contribution of the sector to national development.
The study found that the industry supports approximately 392,000 livelihoods, contributes J$62.6 billion in wages, and generates a total economic impact of J$300 billion. Notably, poultry represents 85 per cent of Jamaica’s livestock output, with small and contract farmers producing 40 per cent of total supply. The report also showed that every one per cent rise in broiler production increases GDP per capita by 2.6 per cent, underscoring the sector’s strong multiplier effect.
The CPA’s Board expressed gratitude for CARICOM Ministers of Agriculture who endorsed similar studies in other Member States and supported the implementation of the CARICOM Regional Standard for Poultry and Poultry Products to enhance food safety and quality across markets.
MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS ACROSS THE REGION
The CPA applauded Best Dressed Chicken of the Jamaica Broilers Group for being named CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2025 during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis (September 29–October 3, 2025). This follows last year’s recognition of another CPA member, Jamaica’s CB Group.
Despite challenges such as import competition, supply chain constraints, and rising costs, the CPA remains focused on meeting the targets of the CARICOM “25 by 2025+5” Initiative, which aims to reduce the region’s food import bill and strengthen agricultural resilience.
Now celebrating 25 years of service, the CPA continues to be an anchor in advancing a world-class agro-industry that provides the region’s most affordable and consumed animal protein, with per capita poultry meat consumption averaging 52 kilograms annually.
Highlights of Member Initiatives
• Barbados – Commissioned a new animal feed mill and expanded production capacity.
• Belize – Introduced tunnel-ventilated breeder housing; now self-sufficient in grain, broiler meat, and eggs.
• Guyana – Expanded soybean cultivation to meet 30% of domestic feed requirements; increased broiler and egg production capacity.
• Jamaica – Commissioned a 12,000-bird-per-hour Air Chill plant; invested in sustainable energy; expanded regional exports of value-added products.
• Suriname – Developing advanced climate-controlled housing for chick brooding.
• Trinidad and Tobago – Investing in new feed mills and tunnel-ventilated broiler houses stocked at 45,000 birds each.
As the CPA forges ahead, it continues to champion innovation, collaboration, and sustainability within the region’s poultry industry—driving economic growth while ensuring the Caribbean’s food systems remain secure and self-sufficient.