Egg Layers Association seeks and receives Cabinet concessions to enable farmers to maintain the current price of eggs

Egg farmers are to receive a subsidy similar to that which has been extended to livestock and produce farmers, according to a Cabinet decision.

A delegation from the Egg Layers Association, comprising its president, vice president and public relations officer, met with the Executive on Wednesday, April 6, during the weekly Cabinet meeting.

The Association was seeking subsidies and other concessions, so that it can maintain the current price of eggs – after a hike several months ago due to the increased cost of feed.

According to this week’s Cabinet Notes, “After an intense discussion, it was agreed that locally produced eggs are more competitive than the imported eggs, and they should remain that way, despite increased costs which the egg farmers are experiencing.”

Therefore, it has been agreed that the subsidy to which other farmers are entitled – on water and electricity services from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) – is to be extended to egg farmers.

Since many of these producers are located in the Sanderson’s Estate area, it was decided that APUA will plant the required electricity poles and run water lines to ensure that the farmers can access these services.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet also agreed that the solar lights allocated to some farmers will be offered to the egg-producers to reduce the incidence of praedial larceny.