1. An Overview of The Jamaican Table Egg Industry

2. Overview Layer farmers are independent producers, processors and marketers of table eggs. Approximately 500 egg farmers with capacity ranging from 25 to 60,000 hens constitute the industry. The national flock size ranges between 450,000 and 520,000 hens. 90% of egg farmers purchase a ready to lay pullets. All fertile eggs are imported. Preferred breeds are; Isa Brown, Bovan Brown, Hyline. The industry is valued at 1 Billion Dollars

3. Comparative Efficiency & Production Costs.

4. Egg Production 2000-2004

5. Domestic Supply Growth

6. Imports (Kg)

7. Market and Consumer Trends Per capita consumption: < 50 eggs Egg Color Preference: Brown Specification and Grading: CARICOM Std. Packaging, Labeling & Branding Food Safety: Hospitality Industry Reqd. Sale outlets (Hotels, Retail, Other) Price

8. Strengths Organizational Infrastructure in place Improved pullet quality Support services (technical, financial, input supplies) in place Good networking among Membership Good Leadership Quick, Easy, Fast, and Healthy Product Positive impact from Training Programmes Capacity for expansion in place High levels of organizational recognition from private sector, government, and regional and international agencies and donors Diversity of skills within Membership

9. Weakness Inadequate short, medium, and long term planning Lack of data to inform proper planning Inadequate marketing data Lack of honesty in information supplied by members Unawareness of real cost of production (most producers are multi- income) Mismatch between supply and demand Inability to control cost of inputs Inadequate veterinary services Poor diversification of egg uses Lack of storage (cold etc.) Lack of commitment to the Association and the industry High production costs Poor marketing and profit margins Under-pricing of product

10. Opportunities Broad participation (all inclusive) Expansion of industry locally CSME – opening the markets for expansion Further processing and product development Centralized Market Increasing acceptability of product Increased employment Increased bargaining power Include and attract small farmers into the organization Development of partnerships

11. Threats Regulations for the importation of eggs, liquid eggs etc. – outside of JEFA control Instability in the market Diseases/Bio-security Natural disasters Over supply of pullets Misinformation, myths, propaganda etc. among health personnel Inadequate policies and legislation to service the industry Lack of Insurance

12. Critical Success Factors Increased per capita egg consumption Product diversification Improved husbandry & feeding management efficiencies Generic egg advertisement Price Stability Farm HACCP programs dealing with food safety issues

13. Jamaica Egg Farmers Laying it On the Line