The Tribune

PRIME Minister Philip Davis said the government's Golden Yolk egg project has produced 200,000 eggs so far, more than three years after it was launched with the aim of ending the country's reliance on imported eggs.

During a visit to the project, Mr Davis said it has 10,000 laying hens in production and about 8,000 pullets, young hens that have not yet begun laying, being raised to add to its output.

"Our focus," Mr Davis said, "is to turn that capacity into a consistent supply of Bahamian-produced eggs, reduce our reliance on imports and create more opportunities for our people."

Golden Yolk eggs first went on sale at Super Value stores in April. At the time, officials said the country spends about $12 million a year on imported eggs and projected that the project would make The Bahamas self-sufficient in eggs within two years.

In 2024, Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation chairman Leroy Major said the project aimed to eliminate egg imports entirely and to sell fresh eggs for below $4.

In June, The Tribune reported that Golden Yolk eggs were selling for under $5 a dozen, down from a peak of nearly $15, but remained more expensive than imported eggs. Agriculture Minister Jomo Campbell said then that the quality of the local product more than justified the cost.

The Office of the Prime Minister said the project is part of a wider government strategy to replace more imported food with local products, keep more spending within the Bahamian economy, expand opportunities for farmers and reduce the country's exposure to disruptions in overseas supply.