Suriname’s poultry industry is poised for significant expansion with projections indicating an additional 600,000 to 800,000 chickens will reach domestic markets by mid-year. This substantial production increase represents a strategic move to bolster national food security and reduce dependency on imported poultry products.
Current market analysis reveals that approximately 65% of Suriname’s chicken supply is imported, while only 35% originates from local producers. Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Minister Mike Noersalim emphasized that strengthening domestic production capabilities remains a government priority. “Enhancing local production capacity is essential to diminishing import reliance and fortifying our national food security framework,” Minister Noersalim stated during high-level discussions with poultry sector representatives.
The government has established a collaborative working group comprising multiple stakeholders to address critical industry challenges. This implementation body, featuring representatives from various ministries and industry associations, will convene its inaugural meeting at the Finance Ministry to tackle pressing taxation and VAT-related issues affecting the sector.
Minister Noersalim clarified that while his ministry oversees agricultural policy, effective resolution requires cross-ministerial cooperation. The Ministries of Finance, Public Works and Spatial Planning, and Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation will all contribute expertise to the comprehensive solution matrix.
The ongoing avian influenza outbreak in Europe has prompted import restrictions on breeding eggs from affected regions, forcing Surinamese producers to seek alternative suppliers including Brazil. Initial results from these new breeding partnerships are anticipated within approximately two weeks.
The Poultry Sector Association of Suriname (APSS) has additionally advocated for converting technical specifications into formal legislation to enable more effective regulatory oversight and enforcement mechanisms. This legislative enhancement would ensure improved food safety standards for consumers while maintaining industry compliance.