The Fiji Times reports that the poultry industry is struggling to cope with a 55 per cent increase in cost of feed over the last two years.

The comment was made by Rooster Poultry general manager, Hank Arts.

He added that with feed now comprising over 60 per cent of total cost of producing broilers and fertile eggs, the company is being forced to cut other costs.

"The inability to pass on all the cost increases, through the sale price because of Price and Income Board (PIB) restriction, has made it very difficult for us.

"We are continuously placing submissions with the PIB, and have just received an approval for a 3 per cent price increase. However, this is nowhere near good enough and it will restrict how we can progress from here in continuing to develop the business."

Mr Arts also said that the wet season had been very difficult, as the growers did not have the funds to develop their sites to a standard that could withstand the constant heavy rains.

View the Fiji Times story by clicking here.