Upon extensive research it was established that Saint Christopher and Nevis lacks breeder farms and hatchery centers. All chicks required for the layer chicken industry are ordered and imported individually by farmers from overseas. The absence of a local supply system for breeder layer chicks has directly affected the stability of domestic egg supply and raised concerns regarding national food security. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture of Saint Christopher and Nevis proposed a technical cooperation project for upgrading the layer chicken industry. The project aims to leverage Taiwan’s technical capacity and experience in the layer chicken industry to assist Saint Christopher and Nevis in achieving a self-sufficient and sustainable goal of stable egg production and supply in the post-pandemic era. 

Based on an assessment of the local poultry industry chain, it was determined that priority should be given to establishing breeder flock reproduction technology and fertile egg incubation technology at the upstream level of the poultry industry, ensuring that Saint Christopher and Nevis can autonomously and sustainably produce chicks to meet farmers’ production needs.

The establishment of a sustainable operational capacity such as Bayfords Hatchery for the layer chicken industry in Saint Christopher and Nevis, was necessary to providing farmers with access to locally produced chicks and reducing dependence on imports. By the end of this project, it is expected that Bayfords Hatchery will produce a stable annual supply of 20,000 female chicks. It is also imperative to note that the Bayfords Hatchery will also work to enhance farmers’ layer chicken management capacity through training programs and localized alternative feed trials and feasibility assessments. Circular agriculture concepts will be introduced through manure composting trials to strengthen overall impact.