In a significant move to address Barbados’ reliance on imported hatching eggs, entrepreneur Errol Andrew is preparing to launch the island’s first poultry breeding facility. Through his company, Hatch An Egg Limited, Andrew aims to enhance food security, reduce costs for local farmers, and ensure a steady supply of chicks, particularly ahead of the high-demand Christmas season. The initiative comes after a half-million-dollar investment in a hatching egg venture, with renovations completed and expansion plans now underway. Andrew revealed in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY that he is in discussions with investors and business partners to establish the breeding farm, marking a critical step in his long-term vision for domestic food security. Currently producing 20,000 chicks monthly, Andrew aims to scale up to 20,000 chicks weekly within six months. The hatchery, located in The Mount, St George, has already gained traction among small farmers, primarily supplying broiler chicks, with plans to introduce layer chicks as part of its expansion. Andrew emphasized the importance of food security, especially during peak seasons like Christmas, and highlighted the logistical and financial challenges of importing eggs from Miami and Belgium. Establishing a local breeding farm would eliminate shipping costs and mitigate risks associated with bird flu. The company’s broader goals include introducing diverse bird breeds, partnering with local agricultural bodies like the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) and the Barbados Egg and Poultry Producers Association (BEPPA), and sharing best practices with farmers. Andrew, who entered the poultry industry in 2018, has relied on small loans and family support to build the business and has applied for funding from the Agricultural Growth Fund to support expansion. Despite financial hurdles, he remains optimistic about Hatch An Egg Limited’s role in strengthening Barbados’ poultry industry and addressing challenges like the shortage of table eggs during the holiday season.