Agriculture Minister Pearnel Charles jr says poultry farmers have started to benefit from the Ministry’s fifty million dollar programme, aimed at reducing production costs.

The Minister last month, announced the relief package to farmers, which will help to support an increase in poultry production locally, following concerns raised by small farmers about the increased cost of baby chicks.

The fifty million dollars is being made available through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority and will assist farmers with the purchase of feed, baby chicks and medication.

Mr. Charles jr adds that as Jamaica expands its poultry industry, the option of exporting to CARICOM is being examined.

The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the annual general meeting of the Middlesex Broilers Farmers Association on the weekend, at the Dinthilll Technical High school, in St. Catherine.