Caribbean poultry sector turns to technology to strengthen food security

The Caribbean poultry industry is expanding its use of technology, climate-smart farming and locally produced feed inputs to strengthen regional food security and reduce dependence on extra-regional imports, the Caribbean Poultry Association (CPA) has said.

In a statement marking World Food Day 2026, observed under the theme “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” the CPA said the sector was scaling up technological and systemic innovations to address climate volatility, global supply-chain disruptions and rising production costs.
The association said the poultry industry supplies close to 82 per cent of the animal-based protein consumed by Caribbean citizens, placing it at the centre of regional food security efforts.
Among the measures being pursued are modern tunnel-ventilated poultry housing and automated environmental controls to protect flocks from extreme heat and severe weather.
The CPA also highlighted the importance of on-farm biosecurity protocols to protect poultry from diseases that cross borders, while improving bird health and feed conversion efficiency.
In addition, the association said it was working with regional feed manufacturers to incorporate data analytics and precision nutrition into feed production. The aim is to optimise the use of local feed ingredients while keeping poultry products affordable and competitive.
The CPA said strengthening food security also requires greater collaboration across the agricultural value chain, including closer integration of large poultry operators with small-scale farmers.
It reaffirmed its commitment to incorporating small and medium-sized enterprises, women and young agricultural entrepreneurs into technology-driven logistics networks.
The association also pointed to expanding corn and soya bean production in Belize and Guyana as part of efforts to reduce the region’s reliance on imported inputs. These developments support CARICOM’s 25 by 2025+5 initiative to reduce the region’s food import bill.
However, the CPA said achieving regional food security would require coordinated action by governments, the private sector and international development partners.
It called for the modernisation of intra-regional trade protocols, including the harmonisation of sanitary and phytosanitary requirements to facilitate the movement of poultry products and hatching eggs across Caribbean borders.
The association also urged governments and partners to strengthen support for farmers through training, access to technology, agricultural extension services and veterinary care.
It further called for improved access to affordable financing for livestock producers seeking to upgrade infrastructure and adopt modern technologies and climate-smart farming practices.
The CPA said investment in science, infrastructure and regional cooperation would be necessary to strengthen the poultry sector’s capacity to supply the Caribbean’s food needs sustainably.