Article by Keisha Blades

As I made my routine trip to the supermarket, I headed to the meat section to pick up my usual selection of fresh chicken. However, instead of encountering the familiar array of chicken cuts, I was greeted by empty shelves and a sign explaining that the supplier was unable to meet the current demand. It was then that the reality of the widespread chicken shortage truly hit me. This got me thinking about the far-reaching effects of this chicken conundrum and its potential to reoccur in the future. While it’s crucial to identify the root cause of the issue and analyse its impacts, it is equally important to explore sustainable solutions that can prevent similar crises down the line.

Chicken’s Role in Barbadian Life

 If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s the undeniable importance of chicken as a dietary staple in Barbados. From fine dining restaurants and fast food chains to local food vendors, supermarkets and everyday meals in households, chicken is the centrepiece of our cuisine. So, when there’s a disruption in Barbados’ egg and poultry supply chain, the effects ripple far beyond missing your favourite order at Chicken Barn or having to choose an alternative protein. By understanding the root causes—like extreme heat affecting poultry production and the scarcity of fish pushing consumers toward chicken—stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to address the issue. In this article, we’ll dive into the causes of this disruption, its broader impact, and potential solutions to keep Barbados’ chicken supply thriving.

Chicken farming is more than just a food supply chain. For countless local farmers, poultry farming provides a vital source of income, supporting families and sustaining rural communities. The industry isn’t limited to large-scale operations; many small-scale farmers rely on poultry production as their main livelihood, making it a critical part of the agricultural sector.

Beyond the farms, chicken plays a significant role in small businesses. From roadside food vendors to family-run cook shops, chicken is often the centerpiece of menus, driving sales and keeping businesses afloat. When disruptions occur, the ripple effects can be devastating, threatening jobs and the local economy. Safeguarding the poultry industry is, therefore, essential—not just for putting food on the table, but for maintaining the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

Is There a Bigger Story Behind this Crisis?

Perhaps—but more likely, it’s a combination of challenges that are now surfacing all at once. Understanding these issues is key, not to assign blame, but to uncover the real reasons behind the crisis. By doing so, we can focus on finding meaningful solutions that benefit everyone.

 Now, let’s take a closer look at what’s driving this situation.

The extreme heat hasn’t just been making life uncomfortable for us; it’s been wreaking havoc on farms as well. High temperatures are disrupting poultry production, leading to lower-than-expected chicken yields and placing additional strain on a supply chain already working to keep up with soaring demand. Small farmers faced significant challenges during this summer’s heatwave, according to Minister of Agriculture Indar Weir, as reported by Barbados Today on October 11, 2024. He revealed that the extreme temperatures during July and August led to the loss of approximately 156,000 birds. This loss was particularly severe for small-scale farmers lacking the infrastructure to mitigate the effects of intense heat. As a result, many of these farmers chose not to place birds during that period, highlighting the vulnerability of smaller-scale poultry producers to climate extremes.

Other officials have linked the ongoing crisis to a surge in demand caused by a shortage of fresh fish following Hurricane Beryl’s impact (Barbados Today, 2024). Amir Juman, board director with the Barbados Egg and Poultry Producers Association (BEPPA), clarified that the issue is not a true shortage but rather a spike in demand. He explained that many consumers, in search of a fresh protein alternative to fish, have turned to chicken as their next best option. Sheria Brathwaite, a journalist from Barbados Today, reports that Mr. Juman also highlighted the impact of unusually high temperatures during the summer months, contributing to higher mortality rates and slower growth among poultry (Barbados Today, 2024). Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful that the situation will improve in the coming months. The combination of climate stress and heightened demand for chicken has certainly put a strain on the industry, but optimism persists as adjustments are made to overcome these hurdles.

The Chicken Fallout

The economic fallout from the poultry crisis in Barbados is multifaceted, potentially affecting various sectors of the economy, particularly food production and consumption. If the current spike in poultry demand persists over the long term, it could drive poultry prices higher, which would, in turn, increase the cost of living for consumers. This economic ripple effect may put further pressure on household budgets, especially for those who rely on protein sources like chicken. Such price increases would amplify the financial burden of families and contribute to broader inflationary trends in the island’s food market.

Poultry producers are facing significant challenges in maintaining healthy stock due to extreme temperatures, which affect both mortality and growth rates. Small-scale farmers are particularly feeling the strain as they now have to work to meet rising demand while grappling with the increased costs of upgrading infrastructure to cope with extreme heat. With rising temperatures impacting poultry health and productivity, small-scale farmers are facing escalating operational costs, particularly for cooling systems and temperature-controlled environments. Many lack the resources needed to mitigate these climate-related challenges, which can make it difficult to maintain profitability. As these farmers struggle to cope with the added expenses, the increased production costs may eventually push up prices for consumers, further restricting household budgets. This scenario underscores the vulnerability of smaller operations to both climate change and market fluctuations, highlighting the need for strategic interventions to avoid future crises. 

In addition to the rising operational costs for small-scale poultry farmers, the economic fallout from the crisis extends to employment and food businesses across the island. Many businesses dependent on a steady supply of chicken—such as restaurants, catering companies, roadside food vendors, and local cook shops—are facing challenges maintaining customer traffic to their establishments. Peter Hynam, co-director of the well-known Chicken Barn restaurant chain, expressed concern over the temporary closure of its Bay Street and Worthing locations (Barbados Today, 2024). This decision came after the restaurant received only a small portion of its usual chicken supply. As a result, employees face reduced hours, which could exacerbate financial hardships for local households. Meanwhile, workers in agriculture, especially those on poultry farms, may also see a reduction in hours or even layoffs if farms struggle to stay profitable amidst rising costs. This situation adds to the broader economic challenges.

Amid this crisis, farmers are now facing an additional challenge: chicken theft. One farmer, who estimates his losses at around $10,000, including damage (Nation News, 2024), describes it as a significant setback. This particular farmer supplies chickens to numerous food vendors, many of whom were eagerly awaiting this batch. This theft not only impacts the farmer’s livelihood but also further disrupts the already burdened supply chain, leaving food vendors in a tough spot.

Navigating the Ripple Effect

This current predicament seems to stem from a combination of factors. However, the focus now is less on assigning blame and more on finding solutions to prevent future occurrences, especially with the busy Christmas season approaching—a time marked by numerous events and gatherings. Ensuring a stable supply chain during this critical period will be essential to supporting businesses and fostering celebrations.

 Although the current challenges may seem daunting, they also present opportunities to build resilience and foster growth. Embracing innovation, collaboration, and adaptability allows businesses to turn adversity into a catalyst for progress. For small-scale poultry producers, this involves re-evaluating practices and adopting innovative strategies to mitigate climate risks, reducing their vulnerability to the inevitable effects of climate change.

The fish shortage caused by Hurricane Beryl highlights the need to strengthen local supply chains and diversify food production. Investing in sustainable fishing practices and alternative protein sources will support greater food security and economic stability in the face of future disruptions.

 To ease the burden of rising operational costs, government and private sector initiatives could expand the availability of easily accessible grants and micro-loans for small and medium-sized poultry producers. These financial supports could help cover critical expenses such as feed, energy-efficient equipment, and farm infrastructure upgrades, enabling producers to stabilize their operations. Emphasis could also be placed on funding renewable energy solutions, like solar-powered lighting and ventilation systems, which offer the dual benefits of reducing long-term costs and enhancing sustainability. During the Down to Brass Tacks call-in radio program, Weir announced that $2 million in loans have been allocated to support small poultry producers in response to the ongoing crisis (Barbados Today, 2024).

Additionally, hosting workshops and providing guidance on modern, sustainable farming practices can equip small-scale poultry farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to adapt to climate change. These programs could cover topics such as efficient water and energy usage, climate-resilient poultry housing, and sustainable feed alternatives. Access to these resources not only empowers farmers to maintain consistent production but also enhances their ability to implement long-term strategies for resilience. By fostering innovation and adaptability, such initiatives contribute to a more secure and reliable food supply chain, benefitting both producers and consumers.

Equally important is the development of early warning systems to detect potential shortages before they arise. Identifying signals of supply chain disruptions early enables the implementation of measures to create buffers, helping businesses and consumers better prepare for future challenges.

Addressing vulnerabilities, embracing sustainable practices, and fostering collaboration across sectors are key to building a more secure and reliable food supply chain system.

References

Barbados Today. (2024, November 01). How do we fix the chicken issue and prevent a recurrence? Retrieved from Barbados Today: https://barbadostoday.bb/2024/11/01/how-do-we-fix-the-chicken-issue-and-prevent-a-recurrence/

Barbados Today. (2024, November 10). Officials say fish shortage driving increased demand for chicken. Retrieved from Barbados Today: https://barbadostoday.bb/2024/10/11/officials-say-fish-shortage-driving-increased-demand-for-chicken/

Nation News. (2024, November 16). Chicken farmers hit hard by thieves. Retrieved from Nation News: https://nationnews.com/2024/11/16/chicken-farmers-hit-hard-by-thieves/#

Watkins, S., Jones, F. T., Clark, D. F., & Wooley, J. L. (2020, October). Raising Broilers and Turkeys for Competition. Retrieved from University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-8004.pdf