Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Addresses Concerns Regarding Poultry Availability

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is aware of concerns being expressed in the public domain regarding the availability of chicken and wishes to assure the public that the Government is closely monitoring the situation and engaging with stakeholders across the poultry sector.

The current tightening of poultry supply is being influenced by a combination of factors, rather than by a fundamental shortage of production capacity.

Local weather conditions have also placed significant pressure on poultry production. The exceptionally hot conditions being experienced in Trinidad and Tobago have required farmers to implement additional heat-management measures and, in some cases, reduce the number of birds placed on farms.

The Ministry emphasizes that temporary reductions in placement are a prudent measure to protect bird welfare, maintain healthy growth and minimize heat-related losses. Farmers operating at normal stocking levels under extreme heat conditions could face increased mortality and reduced production. As weather conditions improve, along with the intervention of modern husbandry practices, placement levels are expected to return to normal.

The Ministry has been advised that chicken remains available to consumers, although some consumers may experience temporary difficulty obtaining their usual quantities at particular retail outlets.

Based on current hatchery projections provided to the Ministry, an increase in chick availability is expected over the next two weeks. These additional chicks will subsequently move through the normal production cycle, with poultry supplies expected to progressively increase and return to full levels approximately three weeks thereafter.

The Ministry therefore expects the current situation to improve over the coming weeks.

The Ministry is continuing to monitor local production, hatchery output, imports, weather conditions and other factors affecting the poultry supply chain. We are also maintaining dialogue with poultry producers and other industry stakeholders to ensure that emerging challenges are identified and addressed in a timely manner.

The Ministry recognizes the importance of poultry to food and nutrition security and remains committed to supporting the local poultry sector while ensuring that consumers have access to a stable and reliable supply.

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