The Agriculture Minister Applauds Feed Price Reduction as Boost for the Agriculture Sector

By Aabigayle McIntosh

Agriculture Minister EP Chet Greene has welcomed a reduction in the cost of feed supplied by a leading animal feed exporter in the region.

East Caribbean Group of Companies announced the decision this week to lower the prices on animal feeds by up to 10 percent.

Greene told state television Wednesday night this price is significant as it is coming against the backdrop of increasing costs for goods and services worldwide.

“I certainly welcomed the news and I speak on behalf of all the farmers, all the importers, and ultimately all the consumers who will benefit as a result of this reduction,” Greene said.

He also explained the reduction is coming at a time when the government is placing special attention on the future development of the Agriculture Sector.

“We have an Agriculture Symposium that is scheduled to take place shortly and this kind of news is welcomed as we prioritize the sector and welcome new entrances in the sector, I can hardly contain myself and I can already see the effects on prices,” the minister said.

The minister is hopeful there will be an immediate reduction in the prices locally for the benefit of all the relevant stakeholders.

Chief executive officer of ECGC, J. Robert Cato explained the price reduction is the company’s way of showing its support for farmers’ success across the region and they can do this through a combination of intelligence, data-driven, procurements on the market.

“We are able to acquire grain a much more cost-effective way and just improve efficiencies at our feed milling plant,” Cato said.

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Farmers in not just Antigua and Barbuda, but also St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Barbados, should benefit immediately from the price reductions.