Can the Price of Poultry Be Regulated?

The Government of Belize is looking at several products that will be price regulated, and among that could be poultry products. The price of chicken saw a significant uptick of six point five percent as early as last week.  The reason for this stark jump in price is attributed to the increase of grains on the global market – particularly grain and soybean. Currently, poultry does not fall under the list of price control or price-regulated products; however, the Minister of agriculture and food security, Jose Abelardo Mai says that Cabinet is monitoring this issue and considering whether it should be regulated. 

Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture: “Chicken is not a price regulated or price controlled commodity. The price went up recently because of the increase in the price of corn across the world, the increase in the price of soybean again across the world so the fact that the price of chicken went up is somewhat understandable. We understand why it went up. If we believe or if Cabinet believed there is a need for us to include poultry and poultry products in price control or price regulated schedules then we will do so. If Cabinet is convinced that that is something we have to do it’s not a decision that I do on my own but so far I heard someone say that there’s price gouging in poultry and I have asked our director of supplies control to monitor the market places and if he advises us that we should include poultry then that recommendation is going to Cabinet.”