Barbados-based food producer Fasons Foods, manufacturer of the popular Amir’s Chicken brand, has launched a landmark new program designed to uplift small-scale poultry producers across the island, advancing both local food security and protection for low-income agricultural workers.
At the core of the initiative is a recent major expansion and upgrade to the company’s central poultry processing facility, which has boosted its processing capacity to several tonnes of poultry per hour. This expanded throughput creates space for Fasons Foods to bring dozens more independent small farmers into its formal supply chain – a critical opening, as small producers currently contribute just 20% of Barbados’ total domestic poultry output, with many locked out of consistent commercial access.
Fasons Foods CEO Amir Juman outlined the drivers behind the move during a Saturday press briefing, noting that the decision grew directly from rapidly rising consumer and business demand for fresh, locally sourced poultry across Barbados’ retail and hospitality sectors. Beyond meeting existing market demand, Juman emphasized that integrating small farmers into a structured commercial supply chain will deliver two key benefits: stabilizing the national poultry market and shielding small independent producers from the harmful impacts of unpredictable economic fluctuations.
“Year after year, countless small poultry producers exit the industry, often simply because they lack a reliable, consistent market for their product,” Juman explained. “Our goal is to act as a safety net for these farmers. As the broader national economy expands, small producers will be able to grow right alongside it.”
The initiative extends far beyond just guaranteed market access, too. Fasons Foods will also provide targeted technical assistance to help small producers address persistent industry challenges, including high poultry mortality during hot summer months and ongoing biosecurity threats. The company plans to assign specialized field staff to work directly with participating farmers, training them in climate-resilient management practices and sustainable production methods that reduce operational risk.
While the increased processing capacity will allow Fasons Foods to capture greater economies of scale, Juman stressed that national food and economic stability remains the program’s primary objective. “This expansion and support program will strengthen the Barbadian economy and make a transformative difference by ensuring fresh poultry remains consistently available and affordable for all Barbadians,” he said.