A new animal feed manufacturing plant commences operations in Barbados in February next year that government believes could help to reduce farming costs.

At the same time Agriculture Minister, Indar Weir, thinks the mark-ups by some retailers are contributing to the high cost of chicken.

He highlights the new feed plant as one of the initiatives aimed at keep prices down.

Mr. Weir notes that government has an arrangement with the major poultry producers who have agreed to set a manufacturers recommended price.

But he says some supermarkets are not sticking to the recommendation in their pricing.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Indar Weir.