World Poultry Day by Shenequa Williams & Carol-Faye Bynoe-George
Every year on May 10th, the global community recognizes World Poultry Day, a moment to appreciate the crucial role poultry plays in food security, nutrition, and economic resilience. In Antigua and Barbuda, this day resonates strongly, as we continue our determined push to revitalize and strengthen our poultry industry, a vital component of our agricultural future.
The 2025 theme, “Embracing Innovation for Sustainable Poultry Production,” could not be timelier. With rising global food costs and a growing need for local food sovereignty, Antigua and Barbuda are placing renewed focus on transforming poultry farming into a viable, self-reliant, and profitable industry.
In response to the mounting challenges facing poultry farmers—including high feed costs, outdated infrastructure, and import competition, the Ministry of Agriculture has spearheaded several strategic consultations.
Earlier this year, the ministry held a comprehensive series of meetings with local poultry farmers to address egg pricing and production challenges. The goal was simple but urgent: make local eggs more affordable and competitive without sacrificing the livelihoods of small and medium-scale farmers.
Among the recommendations emerging from these discussions were:
Feed subsidies to reduce overhead costs.
Branding and marketing campaigns to promote “Fresh Antigua Eggs” as a premium, local choice.
Technical support and training to enhance biosecurity and production efficiency.
Infrastructure upgrades, such as automated water systems and improved housing for layer birds.
These consultations mark a turning point in how the government collaborates with farmers, not just regulating, but listening, engaging, and co-creating solutions. Farmers expressed deep appreciation for the direct, practical focus of the seminar. For many, it was an eye-opening experience, revealing how even minor changes in lighting, temperature, or feed timing can significantly improve egg yield and bird health.
One of the standout initiatives supporting this new wave of innovation was the Poultry Seminar co-hosted by the ministry with the Bajan company Pinnacle Feeds in Antigua. This seminar brought together poultry farmers, feed experts, veterinarians, and agricultural officers for a knowledge-rich session aimed at improving poultry farm performance. This seminar demonstrated to the participants the differences of using the feed manufactured by Pinnacle Feeds, these observations included larger eggs with harder shells and brighter colour yolk, faster growth and antibiotic free birds.
While Antigua and Barbuda still faces hurdles in scaling up its poultry sector, the momentum is unmistakable. With government’s continued support and private sector involvement. The next step and new development involve creating a hatchery with the hope that this new initiative would minimize or eliminate the importation of chicks, this it is anticipated should take the poultry sector to a higher level of efficiency and productivity.
As we celebrate World Poultry Day 2025, it’s clear that we are not simply observing a global tradition; we are living it, reshaping our food systems in real time. By empowering farmers, embracing innovation, and investing in home-grown solutions, the nation is building a poultry industry that is resilient, sustainable, and proudly local.
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