The layer farmers, who are represented by the Layer Farmers’ Association, are the grassroots of our nation. We have been consistently supplying our country with fresh, wholesome, healthy eggs for over 40 years.
Contrary to the statements that have been released over the last day or so, to date, there has never been a single incident of disease or bacterial contamination on our farms.
The same cannot be said about imported eggs, however, where bacterial outbreaks on poultry farms are always on the news with the eggs being recalled.
Our eggs leave our farms within days of them being produced, while imported eggs can be as old as 10 months before they reach our shores.
By that time, their nutritional value has been severely compromised and is lacking the guaranteed freshness of those of locally produced eggs.
We wish to clarify recent statements concerning the Cabinet notes on egg pricing. At our recent meeting, we requested more time to consult with our members before making any further commitments.
The Layer Farmers Association never agreed to a price freeze. Instead, we proposed maintaining the price at $14 per dozen until a comprehensive audit is conducted within the next 60 days. Following this, we will return to the negotiating table.
We also acknowledge the government’s promise since 4th June, 2022 to support local farmers. The 25% discount on APUA water bills, along with the introduction of a Farmers’ ID card, are positive steps.
This ID card will grant discounts on ABST on essential items, such as building materials, crucial for constructing and maintaining chicken pens and farmlands, which will in turn help reduce the high cost of egg production.
The benefits of the ID card will also extend to auto dealers, and solar power suppliers as some farms are without access to proper roads and utilities.
However, neither the promised 25% water discount nor the ID card have come into fruition, and the farmers have been absorbing the higher prices over the years into our cost of production.
Retailers, motivated by profit margins, set their prices with a 20% markup and without any push back from the authorities.
Our priority has always been, and will continue to be, the health and well-being of our people, and we are committed to providing eggs at the lowest possible cost.
However, we urgently need more substantial and sustainable subsidies to offset our daily operational costs.
We urge the media and the public to ensure that circulated information is accurate in its content, as it directly impacts not only the farming community but also the nation’s food security.
All of the egg producers in Antigua and Barbuda remain dedicated to delivering fresh, safe, and affordable eggs to our people.
