Minister Manniram Prashad told a press briefing on Monday that there is no reason to doubt the availability since currently there is a glut on the market. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the average weekly consumption of poultry is about 2.3 million pounds, and local producers have given assurances that they will be able to comfortably supply the meat in the last two weeks in December. The minister said no licence has been issued to import chicken for the year and as such there is no likelihood that any will be issued for the season. Prashad said based on current trends it is possible that the local poultry industry may be able to export chicken in 2010, noting that government is committed to ensuring local production. He also said stockfeed prices have dropped as well as chicken prices.
President of the Poultry Producers Association Patrick deGroot noted that despite the glut on the market and the current overproduction of eggs, consumers should be aware that the usual rise in the cost of eggs should be expected during the last two weeks of December.
Meanwhile, CEO of Guyana Stockfeeds Inc Robert Badal said the local poultry industry has the capacity to deliver and will deliver. He said despite the usual cyclical problem of supply and demand, Guyana is self-sufficient and will continue to maintain the cheapest price in the Caribbean for chicken. Maintaining the local poultry industry guarantees jobs for a number of people and the assurance was given that chicken will be available throughout the season at a very competitive price.
