Egg production in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is set to experience a significant boost, as twenty selected poultry farmers received nesting boxes at the Dumbarton Agricultural Station. These items are expected to build their capacity to provide higher-quality eggs to consumers.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026, marked the culmination of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)-Funded Food Safety Certification System for Livestock Production and Trade pilot project, which aims to modernize the local poultry industry and upgrade food safety standards.

According to Lead of the project, Garfield Bowman, the nest boxes will enable egg producers to deliver higher-quality eggs to the marketplace with a guaranteed longer shelf life.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation Colville King encouraged the beneficiaries to become members of the Poultry Producers’ Association. He pointed out the advantage of purchasing in bulk as an association, which he noted could reduce overall production costs.

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Kathian Hackshaw assured the recipients of the nest boxes, that the Animal Health and Production Division will continue to work closely with them so that compliance with biosecurity requirements can produce high-quality, safe eggs for consumption.

Several producers expressed gratitude for the items.

Ultimately, the project will establish a functional, farm-level food safety certification framework and introduce systematic foodborne disease pathogen testing protocols on participating farms to ensure consumer safety and product integrity.

SOURCE: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation