Region moves to block improperly labeled imported meat

The region’s poultry farmers are moving to ensure its products become more competitive with liTuid eggs, and pre-cooked meat among some of the ideas being examined.

A team from the CaricomSecretariat met members of the Caricom 3oultry Association (C3A on 0onday to ascertain how the two sides could work together to achieve the goals of the Caricom Single 0arket and (conomy (CS0( . The C3A’s mandate is to promote the socioeconomic development of the region through the development, growth and expansion of the Caribbean poultry industry and to create linkages. The meeting at the Caricom Secretariat in *eorgetown, *uyana, was an opportunity for the C3A to share its vision, progress and challenges in the industry, Caricom explained. The meeting was held at a time when the Secretariat is continuing its efforts to broaden the conversation with the region’s private sector, to optimize the latter’s output and sustainability. :ith much emphasis placed on food security, rural development and the reduction of the region’s B food import bill, the meeting was timely for both parties. 3oultry accounts for more than 0 per cent of meat consumed in the region, according to figures by Caricom. 0ost of the poultry meat and eggs consumed within Caricom comes from C3A member organisations, with self-sufficiency hovering at about per cent for meats and close to 100 per cent for eggs. The industry produces about 2 ,000 metric tonnes of poultry and 122 million dozen eggs per year accounts for the employment of more than 100,000 persons and annual sales of 8S 00.

(Kaieteurnews)