On Thursday, October 31st, 2024, a new cutting-edge Layer Chicken Breeder Farm and Hatchery facility at Bayford’s Livestock Centre of Excellence was officially opened, marking a significant step toward improving food security and advancing the poultry sector in the twin island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

The hatchery was developed as part of the Layer Chicken Industry Sustainable Development Project, collaboration between the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources.  

The effort is expected to constantly provide farmers 20,000-day-old chicks for meat and egg production annually. It is part of the government’s “25 by 25 Agenda,” which intends to reduce food imports by 25% by the end of the year. 

His Excellency Lin Chia-Lung, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) shared how delighted he was with the efforts of the government to establish a sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural sector, while also highlighting the importance of Taiwan’s partnership. 

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Honourable Samal M Duggins, highlighted how the establishment of the chicken hatchery advances agricultural development in the country.