Representatives of the AID Bank participated in a stakeholder national consultation, which was held on 19th January 2016, at the Garraway Hotel, to discuss the draft business plan
for the National Abattoir.
This follows 3 mini-consultations in early January 2016, in which one of the key issues discussed was access to adequate financing for operators within the supply chain.
Mr. Franklyn Fabien, Credit Officer at the AID Bank, advised farmers of a special Line of Credit to complement this initiative. According to Mr. Fabien, "the interest rate is only 6% and each application submitted to the Bank forconsideration will be assessed on its own merit." The Bank is looking forward to engaging livestock farmers in a way that does not place them at a disadvantage because of challenges with collateral issues".
Members of staff of the Bank visited the Abattoir project in January 2016 to familiarise themselves with its operations so as to better assist the Bank's clients.
The strategic objectives of the Abattoir, an EC$10 million Investment from the Government of Venezuela, are to enhance job and income creation; encourage agricultural and economic diversification; support nutrition and food security; and to improve social and economic stability.
Presentations at the Consultation were also made by lead consultant of ICMS Consulting Ltd, Lucilla Lewis and Associate Dr. Nadia Pacquette. The consulting team was assisted by Reginald Severin of the Prime Minister's Office. The preliminary findings revealed among other things that the demand for locally produced meats continue to exceed supply and that there is a growing advocacy for eating fresh and organically produced meats and food in general. On the supply side, the research revealed that imported animal feed and trade logistics are major cost challenges for livestock farmers.
The Consultancy is financed by the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM), which is administered by the National Authorizing Office (NAO). Carleen Roberts, National Authorizing Officer, appealed for the business framework of the Abattoir to be implemented without delay.
A test run of the Abattoir in December 2015 was insightful and revealed a high level of stakeholder satisfaction. The acceptance of the business plan by government is a critical next step to the abattoir becoming fully operational.
Photo Caption – Credit Officer, Mr. Franklyn Fabien (Left); Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Reginald Thomas (Top-Right); Stakeholders at the consultation (Bottom-Right)