KINGSTON, Jamaica — President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Senator Norman Grant says that his organisation has viewed with deep concern the importation of J$2.7 billion worth of chicken back in 2013 up from the J$2.5 billion in 2012 and J$2.3 billion in 2011 and is calling for a sharp increase in production of the commodity locally.

According to Grant “while the difference in the selling price of imported chicken back verses locally-produced chicken back  is recognized, the country needs to find a way to increase the production of chicken meat in a effort to reduce the high levels of imports, create jobs and expand the agricultural sector and the economy”

Imported chicken back retails for approximately half the price of its locally produced counterpart.

“The time has come for us to expedite the programme for food security and support the local agricultural sector for the creation of jobs and sustainable growth and development of the Jamaican economy,” said Grant adding that the JAS welcomes the endorsement of the Eat Jamaican Campaign by chicken meat producers Jamaica Broilers Group and Caribbean Broilers Group..