The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is advancing measures to strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s poultry sector and ensure a more secure and reliable supply of eggs and day-old chicks for local farmers.
A key component of this effort is the Ministry’s pursuit of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to establish a large-scale poultry breeding and hatchery facility in Trinidad and Tobago. The Expression of Interest for this initiative is currently open.
The proposed facility is intended to produce fertile eggs, breeder stock and day-old chicks locally for both the broiler and layer industries. By developing domestic breeding and hatchery capacity, the Government aims to reduce the sector’s dependence on imported inputs, strengthen biosecurity and food security, conserve foreign exchange, create employment and reduce the risk of disruptions to international supply chains.
The Ministry is also taking steps to manage risks associated with the international poultry supply chain, including the threat posed by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
In addition to the United States, the Netherlands has been approved as an additional source for the supply of hatching eggs and live chicks.
The presence of avian influenza in a country does not automatically result in a blanket prohibition on all imports from that country. Trinidad and Tobago applies science-based, risk-based measures aligned with the standards of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), including zoning arrangements that allow imports from approved disease-free areas, subject to the applicable veterinary and biosecurity requirements.
This approach allows the Ministry to balance the need to protect Trinidad and Tobago’s animal health status with the need to maintain a dependable supply of poultry inputs for local farmers.
The Ministry recognizes that increasing the number of egg farms alone will not necessarily eliminate shortages.
A stable domestic egg supply depends on the strength of the entire poultry value chain, including access to quality layer chicks, feed and feed ingredients, suitable housing, reliable water and electricity, veterinary services, biosecurity, financing, labour, transportation, packaging and stable markets.
Accordingly, the Ministry is focused on strengthening the systems that support sustainable growth throughout the sector.
The proposed breeding and hatchery facility is expected to form an important part of this vision by providing domestic breeder capacity for both the broiler and layer industries, modern hatchery infrastructure, enhanced biosecurity and traceability, and opportunities to develop local technical expertise.
The Ministry will continue to support the planned and sustainable development of the local egg industry, informed by reliable national production and consumption data as it moves to strengthen local production, reduce vulnerabilities in the poultry supply chain and ensure that Trinidad and Tobago’s farmers have more reliable access to the inputs they need to supply consumers.
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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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Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, has welcomed the launch of the Agricultural Development Bank TobaGrow Loan Facility as an important intervention to expand access to financing and unlock greater opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk and agribusiness operators in Tobago.
Addressing stakeholders at the launch held today in Tobago, Minister Ratiram said access to affordable and responsive financing must form a critical part of the country’s agricultural transformation agenda.
“TobaGrow represents far more than access to credit. It represents confidence in Tobago’s producers. Confidence in Tobago’s entrepreneurs. Confidence in Tobago’s ability to become an even stronger contributor to national food security and economic growth,” the Minister said.
Minister Ratiram noted that access to capital continues to be one of the major constraints affecting farmers, fisherfolk and agribusiness operators, particularly where investment is required for equipment, processing facilities, working capital and expansion, as such, the launch of TobaGrow represents a deliberate response to these financing challenges and forms part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries broader efforts to create an enabling environment for increased agricultural production, enterprise development and investment.
Minister Ratiram commended the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Development Bank for approving the facility and for recognizing the distinct financing needs of Tobago’s agricultural sector. He also acknowledged the Tobago House of Assembly for its collaboration in bringing the initiative to fruition, noting that the partnership demonstrates the value of coordinated institutional action in delivering practical solutions for agricultural stakeholders.
Minister Ratiram encouraged Tobago’s farmers, fisherfolk, processors and agricultural entrepreneurs to utilize the opportunities available through TobaGrow to expand their enterprises and strengthen their contribution to the agricultural economy.
Minister Ratiram reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continued collaboration with the ADB, THA and other stakeholders to remove barriers to agricultural development, improve service delivery and create greater opportunities for investment and enterprise development.
The TobaGrow Loan Facility represents a further step towards strengthening the financing ecosystem for Tobago’s agricultural sector while supporting the Ministry’s wider agenda to build a resilient, productive and commercially competitive agricultural economy.
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Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, has reaffirmed the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to accelerate agricultural transformation, strengthen food security and build a more resilient and competitive agrifood sector.
Speaking at the IICA Accountability and Agricultural Dialogue 2026 at the Sugar Cane Feed Centre, Longdenville, Minister Ratiram underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing innovation, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development.
The annual dialogue brought together government officials, development partners, academia, producer organizations, agribusinesses and other stakeholders to review IICA’s technical cooperation achievements over the past year and identify priorities for strengthening Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural sector.
The Minister highlighted the Ministry’s longstanding collaboration with IICA across key areas including climate-smart agriculture, agricultural innovation, digital transformation, food safety, biosecurity, agribusiness development and producer capacity building, noting that these initiatives directly support the Government’s priorities of increasing domestic food production, reducing dependence on food imports and enhancing the resilience of the national agrifood system.
Minister Ratiram also recognized IICA’s technical support in strengthening agricultural health and sanitary and phytosanitary systems, promoting science and innovation, facilitating knowledge exchange and supporting agricultural micro, small and medium enterprises through regional initiatives aimed at improving competitiveness and expanding market opportunities.
“The Ministry’s partnership with IICA is one of our most significant international technical collaborations. Together, we are building an agricultural sector that is productive, resilient, climate-smart and globally competitive. Through continued collaboration, innovation and shared purpose, we are strengthening food security, creating new opportunities for our farmers and positioning agriculture as a key driver of sustainable national development,” Minister Ratiram said.
The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with IICA in areas such as precision agriculture, climate adaptation, digital technologies, agricultural financing, export certification and value-chain development as the Ministry continues to modernize the sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk.
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The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries continues to closely monitor the search for the fishing vessel ST VINCENT VII (TT033040, IMO 8781973) and its crew, who have been reported missing off the coast of French Guiana.
The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of all persons aboard the vessel and continues to mobilise and coordinate resources, both nationally and regionally, in support of ongoing search and rescue efforts.
On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the Fisheries Division received reports of a video being circulated which appeared to depict a fire aboard the vessel. At the time this information was received, no distress report had been made by the vessel’s operator.
Upon receiving the report, the Ministry immediately engaged the relevant national and regional agencies to facilitate an appropriate response. The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the relevant authorities in French Guiana and CARICOM IMPACS were contacted, while the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard was deployed to conduct aerial search operations. Neighbouring countries were also alerted and requested to support the ongoing search efforts.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has since been coordinating a multi-agency response involving the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, with the objective of locating the vessel and bringing its crew safely home.
The Ministry of Defence continues to lead maritime and aerial search operations through the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard.
At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs continues to liaise with counterparts in Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil to strengthen regional coordination and facilitate all possible assistance in the search and rescue operation.
The Government remains resolute in its commitment to working closely with regional and international partners and to utilising every available resource in support of efforts to locate the ST VINCENT VII and its crew.
At this difficult and uncertain time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries extends its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the families, relatives and loved ones of the crew. We recognise the profound anxiety they are experiencing as they await news of their loved ones and assure them that the search remains a matter of priority.
The Ministry will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide further updates as verified information becomes available.
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On Saturday 4th July 2026, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Honourable Clyde Elder, Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities and Member of Parliament for La Brea and the Honourable Ernesto Kesar, Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries and Member of Parliament for Point Fortin,joined members of the fishing community at the Erin Fishing Facility for the 2026 St. Peter’s Day Celebration, hosted by the Erin Fisherfolk Association.
The annual observance, one of the most significant events on the fisheries calendar, brought together fisherfolk, industry stakeholders, community leaders and residents in celebration of the enduring contributions of Trinidad and Tobago’s fishing communities to national food and nutrition security, economic resilience and the country’s rich maritime heritage.
Opening the event, Minister Ratiram paid tribute to the unwavering dedication, resilience and professionalism of the nation’s fisherfolk, acknowledging their indispensable role in sustaining livelihoods, strengthening coastal communities and ensuring a reliable supply of fresh seafood for citizens across the country.
The Minister noted that fishing remains a vital pillar of the agricultural sector and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing a modern, sustainable and climate-resilient fisheries industry capable of meeting the evolving demands of food production while safeguarding the nation’s marine resources for future generations.
“The men and women of our fishing communities are more than seafood producers, they are stewards of our marine resources, custodians of generations of tradition and essential partners in building a more resilient and food-secure Trinidad and Tobago,” Minister Ratiram stated.
Minister Ratiram also commended the Erin Fisherfolk Association for its continued leadership in preserving the traditions of the fishing community while fostering greater public appreciation for the invaluable role played by fisherfolk in national development.
The St. Peter’s Day celebration served not only as a tribute to the patron saint of fishermen but also as an opportunity to honour the courage, sacrifice and perseverance demonstrated daily by those whose livelihoods depend on the sea.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries extends its sincere appreciation to the Erin Fisherfolk Association for hosting this year’s celebration and applauds the nation’s fisherfolk for their enduring service, dedication and contribution to the social and economic development of Trinidad and Tobago.
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Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, today met with a senior delegation from Nestlé at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Head Office to discuss the company’s future business strategy and opportunities for continued investment in Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural sector.
The Nestlé delegation comprised Ms. Siti Jones-Gordon, Head of Communications for the Caribbean; Mr. Pedro Ospina, Director of Corporate Affairs for the Central America and Caribbean Region; and Mr. Jorge Hoyos, Chief Financial Officer for the Caribbean.
Minister Ratiram was accompanied by Ms. Michelle Anne Thomas, Permanent Secretary (Ag.); Dr. Michelle Mellows, Chief Technical Officer; Dr. Anil Ramnanan, Technical Advisor to the Minister; and Mr. Ravi Pooran-Maharaj, Advisor to the Minister.
During the meeting, Nestlé informed the Minister that in alignment with the company’s global business strategy, it intends to restructure their local portfolio with particular attention to its operations with dairy and juices.
The Minister received assurance from the Nestlé delegation that its goal is the preservation of jobs and to ensure that the factory’s legacy and operations remain intact throughout the transition.
Discussions also focused on opportunities to expand collaboration between the Ministry and Nestlé in advancing the revitalization of the dairy sector. Particular emphasis was placed on Nestlé’s support of the National Agricultural Training Initiative (NATI), with both parties exploring future partnerships to deliver technical training, capacity-building programmes and knowledge-transfer initiatives designed to strengthen the skills of dairy farmers.
Additionally, Minister Ratiram and the Nestlé delegation agreed to undertake a joint visit to Nestlé’s Model Farm Development Project in Turure, to review existing infrastructure, assess areas for improvement and identify potential opportunities for future collaboration.
Minister Ratiram also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with dairy farmers and other key stakeholders to ensure there are no disruptions to the dairy supply chain during the transition.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to engaging with stakeholders to support economic development, protect employment, and advance initiatives that strengthen the nation’s agricultural sector.
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On Wednesday 24th June 2026, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, met with Dr. Gillian Smith, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative ad interim, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Head Office, as the Ministry continues to strengthen its agricultural resilience, animal health systems and national food security framework.
A key outcome of the engagement was the formal handover of veterinary equipment and supplies under the FAO-funded “Strengthening Animal Health Systems” Project, an initiative designed to enhance the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to animal diseases while improving the effectiveness of veterinary service delivery.
The donation included diagnostic and laboratory supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, emergency response kits, laboratory consumables, specimen collection materials, and other critical resources that will support the work of the Ministry’s Animal Production and Health Division.
Minister Ratiram emphasized that strong animal health systems are fundamental to national food security, public health protection, and the sustainability of Trinidad and Tobago’s agricultural sector.
“As we work toward building a modern, resilient and productive agricultural sector, investments in animal health infrastructure remain a priority. Effective veterinary services and robust disease surveillance systems are essential for safeguarding livestock populations, protecting farmers’ livelihoods, maintaining consumer confidence, and strengthening our food security agenda. We are grateful to the FAO for its continued partnership and support in advancing these objectives,” Minister Ratiram stated.
Dr. Smith reaffirmed the FAO’s commitment to supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity within the agriculture sector and build resilient food systems capable of responding to evolving global and regional challenges.
“FAO is encouraged by the robust and dynamic programme the Ministry of Agriculture has planned to reinvigorate the agriculture sector in Trinidad and Tobago. Our mandate is to support countries in building more resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, and we reiterate our commitment to helping the ministry achieve its goals of food security, certification, market development, digitization and animal health,” Dr. Smith stated.
The discussions also explored future areas of cooperation, including enhanced technical support, capacity-building initiatives, knowledge exchange programmes, and collaborative projects aimed at advancing agricultural productivity, improving livestock management, strengthening biosecurity frameworks, and supporting national development priorities.
Today’s engagement reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to leveraging strategic international partnerships to modernize the agriculture sector, strengthen institutional capacity, and advance the Ministry’s vision of a more resilient, competitive, and food-secure Trinidad and Tobago.
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