Poultry imports hurting local industry

Tue, 08/30/2016 - 12:00am
By: 
Patricia Thangaraj

 

 
Poultry farmers in Barbados are calling for a hearing, or in the very least a meeting with officials to discuss the current situation with respect to them not being able to sell off all of their products, while at the same time local food suppliers are importing chickens from overseas.
 
Speaking to the media yesterday at a press conference held at the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), the CEO of Sunrise Chicks and Northern Hatchers, Anthony Spencer, said that what he is seeing is a case of poultry being imported into the country, some legal and some illegal, but regardless of which it is, the duties are not being paid on these products and all of this is occurring at a loss to this administration.
 
“What I am seeing here in the chicken industry is something that you would find it hard to believe. We are faced with a situation where illegal poultry products are invited into the country – some may be legal – and the strange thing about it is that the duty is not being paid legally or illegally on these products, causing the Government to lose substantial amounts of revenue,” he stated.
 
The poultry grower for the last 40 years and a processor for the last 20 years, who is involved in all aspects of the industry,   said that he himself is now having a hard time.
 

He stated that this situation is not unique to him alone and the issue relating to persons importing poultry not having to pay duties in itself makes it difficult for local poultry farmers to compete with these persons.

 

“So it is simple. As farmers we cannot compete with these products that come into the country after investing our money. I get daily calls from people and I can hear their emotions, trying to seek help because of the situation that these illegal products have placed them into.”

 

Echoing comments by CEO of the BAS, James Paul that this is especially disheartening in light of the milestone that this country is about to embark on later on this year, he called on those in authority to give them an opportunity for an investigation or consultation where these farmers can voice their concerns.

 

“They would have gone and they would have borrowed money from Government institutions, have started out very well and all of a sudden they are faced with these severe challenges and situations and one would think that with all of the hype about Barbados’ 50th anniversary and all of the things that are planned that the farmers would get a hearing or even get a meeting with those in authority to see how best we can resolve the matter.”

 

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