PM Browne: Government to discontinue support and protection of “uncooperative poultry farmers”
Prime Minister Gaston Browne made this statement on his social media outlet moments ago:
“In the absence of an agreement; our government will be forced to discontinue the protections and support for these uncooperative poultry farmers.
The increase of $2.00 will bring the wholesale price of eggs to $14; an increase of 40 percent in two years. The retail pride of eggs will increase to $18-19 per dozen, putting one of the most significant sources of protein beyond the affordability of the poor and vulnerable.
If we do not stop this developing egg cartel that is unjustifiably increasing the costs of eggs, we will be faced with other frivolous increases in the near future.
The egg market will be opened.
The forty percent duties and taxes on imported eggs and import permits will be eliminated and no further support or subsidies will be given to these poultry farmers. Our government subsidies costs to lower prices, not to inflate profits.
The subsidies were designed to drive down costs to keep egg prices affordable for all, especially poor and vulnerable.
The poultry industry will be regulated by a Poultry Development Board that will be responsible for setting egg prices and to monitor the sanitary and phytosanitary conditions of poultry farms, to reduce the escalating incidences of salmonella and other microbial diseases.
Farms that do not satisfy these conditions will be closed in protection of consumers.
We have been advised that under the new dispensation that imported eggs can retailed for $12.50 per dozen, compared to $19.00 per dozen.”
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2024/09/20/government1-to-discontinue-support-and-protection-of-uncooperatibe-poultry-farmers-pm-browne. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Faithful national #1 September 20, 2024, 10:32 AM
gassy September 20, 2024, 11:52 AM
Antigua Patriot September 20, 2024, 11:54 AM
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Antiguan Patriot September 20, 2024, 12:47 PM