The Egg Industry Cluster (EIC) comprises a number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who are producers, input suppliers, service providers and partners around a single commodity the egg. These MSMEs, along the value chain, include the farmers who have formed the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association (JEFA), the lead private sector organization for the EIC PSDP projects; feed manufacturers, pullet suppliers, packagers, hotels, restaurants, retailers, wholesalers and consumers. The EIC provides direct employment for 11,340 persons. The cluster producers, supplies and handles an average 11.5 million dozen eggs per year. The value of the cluster is over US $18 million.

The Mission Statement for the EIC is "To bring together as a single unit all of the stakeholders in the egg industry in Jamaica whilst promoting their interest and sustaining and expanding the egg industry to their benefit".

The EIC currently operates through the Egg Industry Development Committee (EIDC) which comprises representatives from the cluster. The EIDC meets quarterly and provides a platform for public and private sector partnership combining the skills of the members including the relevant Government Ministries, the Bureau of Standards and other stakeholders including the consumers. The EIDC monitors the egg industry improvement programme.

Goal of the EIC: To facilitate growth and improve competitiveness of the egg industry

Major Objectives:
The Egg Industry Improvement Programme aims at:
♣ Increasing per capita consumption of the egg;
♣ Improving the retailing and distribution of eggs;
♣ Improving cost competitiveness, industry grading and labelling standards and food safety concerns.

Long term Goal:
Increase consumer confidence and consumption patterns of table eggs.

Benefits:
♣ Increased business gains due to combined efforts.
♣ Access to marketing & promotion activities.
♣ Increased visibility.
♣ Opportunities for networking and partnerships
♣ Access to business and technical support services.
♣ Access to opportunities for entrepreneurs.
♣ Access to industry information e.g. market information.
♣ Training gains.
♣ Product improvement.
♣ Direct contact with stakeholders within the industry.
♣ Access to improved technology.
♣ Improved competitiveness.
♣ Purchasing gains.
♣ Advice and assistance in seeking financial assistance.
♣ A satisfied consumer.

Membership:
Membership is open to individuals involved in the development of the egg industry which includes: producers/farmers, input suppliers (feed, pullet suppliers, packaging, equipment etc.), retailers and wholesalers, processors, suppliers of cold storage, users of eggs e.g. bakers and consumers. Membership is also open to our partners viz: Government Ministeries and Departments i.e. Ministeries of Agriculture, Health and the Environment, Industry, Investment and Commerce, the Bureau of Standards.