The Government and local poultry processors have signed a deal that will lower the price of chicken parts by 19-20 per cent during the yuletide season.

According to a joint press statement issued yesterday by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Karl Samuda and the Minister of Agriculture, Christopher Tufton, consumers islandwide will benefit from a the reduction in the price of chicken parts — leg and breast quarters — between December 18 and 24, “as Government moves to ensure that the society’s most vulnerable are provided with a cheaper source of protein during the Christmas period”.

According to the press statement 250-thousand kg of chicken parts have been earmarked for distribution islandwide at the concessionary price to consumers.

The price reduction to consumers results from local processors agreeing to take a 10-12 per cent margin cut and distributors agreeing on a seven-and-a-half per cent cut in their margin.

“Combined, this represents a price decrease of $46 to $54 per kilo to consumers purchasing amounts of 5kg or more of chicken parts,” said the statement.

Samuda explained that the concessionary price follows discussions between both Ministries and the two main processors — Jamaica Broilers and Caribbean Broilers. He said the processors indicated that they have adequate supplies to meet the increased demand for chicken meat during the Christmas season.

Tufton noted that in previous years, the Yuletide peak demand for chicken had necessitated importation of the product. He said, however, that the approach this year will ensure that Jamaican farmers and processors can take off their excess stocks, while providing a benefit to consumers.