Locally produced farm-fresh eggs will soon be widely in the market, courtesy of the Guåhan Sustainable Culture’s (GSC) new Poultry Development Project that seeks to build a pool of poultry farmers on Guam.
Currently, the majority of eggs currently sold by Guam retailers are imported from the mainland. GSC's project seeks to reduce Guam’s dependence on imported eggs through funding from the Guam Economic Development Authority’s (GEDA) Qualifying Certificate Community Contribution grant program.
Launched on Aug. 13, GSC’s sustainable farming project aims to meet the increased demand for fresh local eggs by establishing 20 new poultry farmers and increasing Guam’s local egg production.
Michelle Crisostomo, president and co-founder of GSC, the organization has provided approximately 75 families with live chicks to start their own productive flocks and have access to fresh eggs for themselves and their families.
The 20 aspiring poultry farmers will start receiving their first flock of chicks by early September.
“Through GEDA’s help, we are able to provide free training and cover the start-up costs which includes the chicks, supplies, a coop, an incubator and feed for the first six months so that participants can focus on raising their flock and growing a successful business.”
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The training included a workshop on How to Successfully Raise Baby Chicks taught by Crisostomo, followed by a presentation on Poultry Welfare and Disease Prevention by GuamTerritorial Veterinarian Dr. Thomas Pool. Guam Department of Agriculture Director, Chelsa Muna-Brecht and the Agricultural Services Division Chief John Borja ended the training with Important Information About Egg Production and Safety.
Additional training opportunities, Chicken Breeding and Incubating Eggs to Increase Flock Size and Chicken Farm Economics, Business Planning, and Finance will be held in the near future.
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