Dominican poultry industry ensures food security and economic growth

Santo Domingo.- Dominican poultry farming plays a vital role in both food security and the national economy, with daily production exceeding 750,000 fresh chickens. Gregory Marte, executive director of the Dominican Poultry Association (ADA), emphasized that between 300 and 400 trucks transport chickens daily from production farms to various markets, ensuring consistent supply. In just 10 days, around 7 million chickens reach the national market, meeting local demand without the need for imports under normal conditions.

Monte Plata is a major production hub, shipping 250,000 chickens daily, further solidifying the country’s self-sufficiency in poultry production. Alongside chicken, the Dominican Republic’s egg industry has experienced record growth, with annual production reaching 3.950 million eggs, valued at 21.000 million pesos. This figure averages nearly one egg per person per day and supports both domestic consumption and exports. The country exports approximately 60 million eggs monthly to Haiti and Cuba, contributing to foreign currency earnings and regional leadership in egg production.

Marte also highlighted the resilience of poultry farming, noting its reliance on local conditions and weather. Despite challenges, strategic decisions have led to a 51% increase in genetic stock, boosting production capacity. Local prices for poultry products remain stable, contrasting with international price hikes, demonstrating the strength of the national poultry sector. Marte concluded that these efforts ensure food security for the population and establish the Dominican Republic as a regional leader in poultry farming.