Opposition Spokesperson on Agriculture, Dr Dayton Campbell is calling on the government to immediately address the pressing challenges facing the poultry industry, which have been compounded by the impact of Hurricane Beryl.

In a news release on Friday, Campbell charged that despite early warnings, poultry farmers, particularly egg producers, have received little to no assistance, resulting in significant disruptions in production and supply.

He highlighted that while the government has allocated over $900 million to assist farmers recovering from Beryl’s devastation, egg farmers are yet to benefit, noting that the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association reported that the storm caused a nearly 30 per cent decline in egg production across the island.

This, Campbell said, has directly impacted the livelihoods of farmers and the availability of eggs for consumers.

“The government was alerted to this issue as early as July, when farmers raised concerns about the severe damage caused by Beryl. Yet, to this day, we are hearing from the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association that they have not received any of the promised support. This is unacceptable. We demand a transparent explanation and a concrete plan of action to ensure that our farmers get the help they need without further delay,” Dr Campbell stated.

Additionally, the release stated that the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is deeply concerned about reports from consumers and restaurant operators regarding a shortage of chicken. It stated that some businesses have been forced to increase the prices of chicken meals due to the rising cost of the product, which has surged by nearly $60 per pound in recent weeks.

Operators have reported difficulty in sourcing baby chicks, further complicating the situation, the PNP said.

While Agriculture Minister Floyd Green has acknowledged reduced supply, Dr Campbell emphasised the urgency of implementing immediate solutions to mitigate the impact on both farmers and consumers.

“Waiting for further studies and discussions will only prolong the pain felt by our farmers and the wider population. We urge the government to act swiftly by providing direct support to our poultry farmers and implementing measures to stabilize chicken production. This should include facilitating access to affordable inputs like feed and chicks, accelerating recovery efforts post-Beryl, and putting contingency plans in place for future disruptions,” Dr Campbell continued.

The PNP said it remains committed to advocating for the agricultural sector and urges the government to prioritise the needs of poultry farmers. The current situation not only threatens the livelihoods of farmers but also risks further escalating food prices at a time when many Jamaicans are already grappling with economic hardships, according to the party.

“We need urgent solutions. We call on the Minister of Agriculture to immediately outline a clear recovery plan for the poultry sector—one that ensures our farmers are supported and that consumers can access affordable, locally-produced chicken and eggs. Our farmers have been left behind for too long, and this must change,” Dr Campbell said.