News Date: August 11 2016
The Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) today called for a virtual ban on the importation of poultry products at this time, saying local producers were able to supply the market.
The BAS has been up in arms in recent weeks over the importation of chicken wings, which the body said was to the detriment of local farmers.
Addressing a news conference this afternoon, Chief Executive Officer James Paul said production was on course to exceed 10 million birds this year, and there was no reason to allow traders to import any more.
“This is the second straight year that we are seeing those types of levels of production. And in the face of that, how could we as a country in good conscience, issue any import licence to any importer who seeks to bring in commodities that compete with local producers after they have made a determined effort to increase local production? The reason being that they are looking to satisfy the local Barbadian market,” Paul said, stressing that the industry employed close to 2,000 people directly and indirectly.
News Source: Barbados Today
