Local Egg Farmers to Meet Festive Season Demand

The Jamaica Egg Farmers Association (JEFA), is assuring Jamaicans that an adequate supply of table eggs will be available for the festive season, and that there will be no significant increase in price.

In an interview with JIS News, President of the JEFA, Roy Baker, said the projection for December is 13.2 million eggs, more than enough to meet the increased demand during this time of the year.

“From our experience, the local market should be comfortable with between 11.5 to 12 million eggs,” Mr. Baker said.

He further noted that the local industry is now self sufficient. “We are meeting local demand for eggs and the projected total production for 2014 is 130 million eggs,” he noted.

The President said that the traditional shortage of the product over the Christmas period will not be evident this year, due to better management of the industry.  He emphasized that there will be no need to import eggs.

The association is getting support from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Marketing and Information Division, which provides marketing information and intelligence. This helps to simulate and promote investments within the sector.

Table egg or shell egg is one of the main ingredients used in Christmas cakes and puddings and many other foods consumed during the festive season.

The JEFA was formed in 2000 out of the necessity to overcome importation of table eggs.