First hatchery opens in Dominica

Supplies of broiler and layer chicks from the first hatchery in the Caribbean island of Dominica are proving popular with the local poultry farmers. Already the company owning the hatchery is planning Dominica’s first feed mill, and a farm that breeds pigs.

grigorenko | Bigstock
grigorenko | Bigstock

Supplies of broiler and layer chicks from the first hatchery in the Caribbean island of Dominica are proving popular with the local poultry farmers. Already the company owning the hatchery is planning Dominica’s first feed mill, and a farm that breeds pigs.

The aim of the new hatchery is to make farming easier for poultry owners, as well as deliver benefits to the people of the Republic of Dominica.

Located in Salisbury, the facility has been set up by feed company, CariFeed Inc., according to Dominica News Online.

With its many job opportunities for people in the town, the hatchery development has been welcomed by the local parliamentary representative. It is hoped that the investment will encourage other local business entrepreneurs.

Hatchery already selling at capacity

Company owner Jeff Bellott said that production capacity at the hatchery currently amounts to 6,480 chicks per 21-day cycle.

At the launch, he explained that farmers can place their orders for broiler or layer chicks at the hatchery in advance.

The new facility has proved very popular. Further supplies of layer chicks will only be available in mid-May, according to Bellott, while broiler chicks are almost sold out. In response to this strong local demand, more supplies will be sourced, he said. 

Further developments in the pipeline

As well as the hatchery, CariFeed is planning the island’s first feed mill, which will be followed by a farm breeding pigs for local producers to rear.

Key to the launch of the feed mill are assurances that imported feed ingredients will be free of value added tax (VAT), said Bellott.

Last June, Dominican News Online reported the agriculture minister highlighting the need for the island to import chicks and animal feeds.

According to Minister Fidel Grant, no VAT is levied on imported feed. However, a 3% environmental charge and 1.5% import duty are payable on incoming products. He added that arranging and paying for a full container of feed are significant hurdles for the island’s farmers.

The minister was speaking at the national poultry slaughterhouse. Financed by the government of Venezuela, this had a capacity of 1,000 birds per hour, and 50 pigs per day. At that time, the operations of the abattoir at Layou Park were under review.

More on CariFeed

According to the firm’s website, CariFeed Inc. sells feeds for poultry, pigs, cattle (dairy and beef), rabbits, sheep and goats from its offices in Dominica’s capital, Roseau. Feeds are formulated specially for the Caribbean market. The company also offers technical support for poultry farmers on farm biosecurity, and avian influenza.

 

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