Barbados is taking proactive measures to ensure a steady supply of eggs and poultry products during the upcoming Christmas season and tourism peak. Chickmont Foods Limited, the island’s largest poultry producer, plans to import 360,000 eggs next month to address potential shortages. This decision was confirmed by Stephen Layne, President of the Barbados Egg and Poultry Producers Association (BEPPA), during the Barbados Agricultural Society’s annual general meeting held at the Radisson Aquatica Resort in St. Michael. Layne emphasized that the importation of a 40-foot container of eggs is essential to meet the heightened demand during the festive period and the winter tourism surge. Despite a similar shipment arriving just two months ago, the move underscores the importance of maintaining supply stability. Layne highlighted the preference for inter-regional trade, with eggs being sourced from Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). He also noted that the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented necessary precautions to mitigate risks associated with global bird flu concerns. In addition to eggs, four containers of frozen poultry meat were recently imported to support fast-food operations, which were facing stock shortages. Layne expressed optimism about the recovery of domestic poultry production, citing improvements in the industry following setbacks such as the collapse of a Chickmont poultry house and the decline of Star Chick. However, he acknowledged that temporary imports remain crucial to meet the dual pressures of high local consumption and increased demand from the hospitality sector. The upcoming shipment, expected in November, is projected to fulfill national demand through the first quarter of 2024. Layne also reported stable poultry meat supplies heading into the festive season, expressing hope that the main hatchery will maintain its current production levels.