Jamaica Broilers opens new hatchery

 

Jamaica Broilers Group has made a multi-million dollar investment in the expansion of its hatchery capacity.

 

The entity officially opened the facility this week.

 

Christopher Levy, President and CEO of Jamaica Broilers Group, says this will more than double the output of baby chicks.

 

"We’ve invested roughly $200 million in this facility here, and that’s a significant investment to bring this hatchery up to amazing standards. This investment has increased the capacity by 70 per cent," he announced. 

 

He said the increased capacity should give the government greater confidence that Jamaica's poultry sector can meet demands. 

 

According to Mr. Levy, the increased capacity will also help shore up local supply of baby chicks going to small farmers - a critical part of the sector, especially as Jamaica is looking to reduce poultry imports. 

 

"The small farmer represents 30 per cent of production of poultry meat in Jamaica. It’s done by roughly 200,000 small farmers across the island, mostly women, mostly second income, and it cycles – cycles through Easter, cycles through Christmas, back-to-school, those sort of periods. It is the most important sector in our country as it regards poultry. It is the first line of defence against imported poultry," he asserted.