May 2, 2023

Bahamas launches programme to decrease egg import bill by 1%

Clay Sweeting, the Bahamas' Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister, said the Bahamas is launching the Golden Yolk Programme, a new egg laying programme that could result in a 1% decrease in the country's import bill, The Tribune reported.

Although the percentage may appear insignificant, he believes it is significant given that the country spends US$15 million on egg consumption.

While the Bahamas only produces 700,000 eggs, it imports approximately 28 million eggs.

Sweeting said that 38 chicken houses would be built in the Family Islands and six in New Providence. A significant number of these will also be constructed at Grand Bahama.

The aim of the programme is to reduce import dependency, empower Bahamians, grow healthier produce and livestock, and establish a National Agriculture Policy that provides a strategic road map and comprehensive framework for Food and Agricultural Development.

Sweeting said that the ministry provided US$1.1 million in direct grants to fishing and farming companies, both start-ups and established businesses, during the previous budget cycle.

The ministry has also provided US$500,000 in funding to agricultural technology companies.

He stated that the ministry will make grants available to the Small Business Development Centre in the upcoming budget.

-      The Tribune