A collaboration between Charles Gardier and Jeff Bellot has seen the development of a hatchery in the community of Salisbury.
Gardier said that the hatchery was started because of a need observed in the agricultural industry. He encourages farmers to work together and support each other to accomplish great things to move the industry forward.
Gardier also thanked retailer H.H.V Whitchurch for their assistance in this venture. He said that the supermarket is for local entrepreneurs and must be commended for that.
Meanwhile, Jeff Bellot said that he sees the hatchery as a seed with the ability to grow. He believes that the local hatchery can have a positive effect in reducing Dominica’s poultry import bill which is presently about 11 million USD annually. He expects that consumers will see a decrease in poultry products as farmers are able to get the chicks from the hatchery at a lower cost as opposed to importing them. The hatchery will also contribute to food security with a capacity to provide 6480 chicks every 21 days.
According to Bellot, his company is appealing to the Government to remove one of the major challenges to the success of the hatchery which is the VAT charged on fertile eggs while imported chicks are VAT free.
Bellot praised the Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture who he says understands the importance of having the local hatchery and provided much needed support.
The hatchery is located in Grand Savanne, Salisbury. To get to the hatchery, you take the secondary road opposite the warehouse of Antilles Cement on the Salisbury highway. You may contact them at telephone number 1767-616-2043 or on the world-wide web at carifeed.com.
