CPA backs Suriname poultry sector expansion to boost CARICOM food security

Suriname’s poultry industry is moving to accelerate domestic chicken production as part of wider regional efforts to reduce food imports and strengthen food security across the Caribbean.
The commitment was made during discussions held on May 25, 2026, involving members of the Associate Pluimvee Sector Suriname (APSS), officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation, and the Executive Director of the Caribbean Poultry Association (CPA).

The discussions focused on supporting CARICOM’s target of reducing the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2030 and the CPA’s Strategic Plan to increase regional poultry production by 200,000 tonnes by 2045.
According to the CPA, poultry remains the most affordable source of animal protein in the Caribbean, accounting for approximately 80 per cent of animal protein consumed across CARICOM. The association also noted that regional poultry self-sufficiency has surpassed 70 per cent.
Suriname has contributed to the sector’s growth, increasing broiler meat production by 20 per cent from 13,279 metric tonnes in 2023 to 15,933 metric tonnes in 2025.
A sector analysis presented during the meeting found that Suriname already possesses much of the infrastructure needed to expand poultry production. Existing capacity includes feed manufacturing facilities, commercial and small-scale poultry farms, slaughtering and processing operations, and technical expertise within the industry.
The poultry sector is now preparing a detailed production plan and position paper to be submitted to the relevant ministries. The document is expected to outline investment requirements, timelines, support measures and policies needed to facilitate expansion.
Industry representatives also raised concerns over the continued importation of poultry products, particularly frozen leg quarters, which they said negatively affects local production. Concerns were also expressed about product quality, inadequate labelling of origin and slaughter dates, and the practice of thawing, repackaging and refreezing imported chicken.
The sector stressed that food safety, transparency and traceability must remain key priorities for both consumers and producers.
Industry representatives told Government officials that increased production and supportive policies could lower local production costs over time. Among the measures requested were relief on essential inputs such as feed ingredients, day-old chicks, veterinary medicines, disinfectants and packaging materials.
The poultry sector also called for a review of the Value Added Tax (VAT) system, arguing that the current structure may place local producers at a disadvantage compared to imported products.
Government officials acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that the matters would be presented to the relevant Ministers. Officials also said they were awaiting the formal submission from the APSS before further guidance or decisions are issued.
At the close of the meeting, participants agreed that expanding the local poultry industry could strengthen food security, create employment, improve product quality, reduce pressure on foreign currency reserves and contribute to broader economic growth.
The CPA reaffirmed its support for Suriname’s poultry industry and commended the APSS for aligning with the association’s regional development strategy.