The Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) today announced the opening of a state-of-the-art Poultry Research and Training Centre that will serve as host to a Layers Programme at its farm in North Andros. The Layers programme, which includes some five hundred Rhode Island Red Layer Chicks that were purchased in March, is expected to produce an estimated 1.5 million eggs annually, Executive Chairman of BAMSI Senator, the Hon. Tyrel Young said.
“While the production of eggs is an important goal for us, our primary focus is broadening the scope of knowledge, experience and exposure for our students, farmers and agri-prenuers through the newly established Research and Training Centre,” Mr. Young said.
“As an extension of BAMSI College, the Centre will focus on the scientific, technical and business knowledge required to operate a poultry business on a successful scale,” he added.
In preparation for the launch, the Institute has spent the last three months constructing a commercial-grade poultry facility equipped with the most technologically advanced, industry appropriate, environmental control systems. The facility is expected to give students the access needed to explore the process of egg production and poultry management.
From the College’s perspective, the curriculum and training courses will be expanded to include poultry science and an examination of the commercial production of layers and breeders. “Not only will we be producing eggs, but the facility will operate as a classroom for our agriculture students and registered livestock farmers to learn about nutrition, reproduction, the physiology of the birds, processing technology and livestock management,” Mr. Young said.
The Layers Programme will eventually be joined by a brooding facility, which will also provide a space for technical training and academic support for BAMSI students, licenced poultry farmers and agri-prenuers.
Eggs produced through the programme will initially be sold in New Providence and Andros, with additional poultry facilities expected to be constructed on other Family Islands before the end of the year.
At the beginning of 2023, egg prices escalated to record highs with the cost of a dozen eggs hitting about $10 and Bahamian consumers scrambling for alternatives or waiting for the prices to settle down. While successive Bahamian governments have attempted to bolster the nation’s ability to feed itself, recent global events  resulting in a disruption in shipping and escalating the cost of food, have driven home the need to build a secure agricultural sector. Ultimately, the Government’s goal is to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign imports and downgrade the billion-dollar footprint that is draining the national economy.
Currently, Bahamians consume imported eggs which may be weeks or even months old. That often depletes the nutritional value and lessens the taste of the eggs, but BAMSI’s locally produced eggs are fresh.
“With global events having such a huge impact on our local market, our mandate becomes even more pressing,” Mr. Young said. “BAMSI has a responsibility to address the issue of food security actively and adequately through as many channels at its disposal.
“Through the Poultry Research and Training Centre and the Layers Programme, we will be increasing the number of healthy eggs on the market, introducing Bahamian students to the science of poultry and poultry management, and we will be supporting the education and training of farmers and agri-prenuers who are interested in either creating or growing a successful poultry business.”
Alaasis Braynen, CEO and General Manager for BAMSI, said the Institute is already looking forward to creating a brooding facility where eggs will be hatched and baby chicks sold to registered farmers. “As the programme grows, we will also be partnering with registered livestock farmers and agri-prenuers to help grow their broods. The chicks and technical support which BAMSI produces for farmers will increase the number and size of local poultry operations which will have the necessary positive result for food security.”
Mr. Braynen further outlined that a veterinarian will be onsite in Andros to ensure the birds, who have been vaccinated, remain healthy.

Remarks by Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs the Hon. Clay Sweeting; and a press release on the BAMSI Egg Academy Poultry Research and Training Centre, grand opening.