‘Egg-cellent’ eggs laid and launched on Statia

Statia’s Earth Farm and Garden Foundation’s team, from left: Samual Jaruis, Adrian Arndell, Leevon Tearr, Eligio Woodley and Robin Peeters.

ST. EUSTATIUS–Statia’s Earth Farm and Garden Foundation is now selling what they call “egg-cellent” eggs hatched from its chicken farm in Zeelandia. Run by Eligio Woodley and partner Robin Peeters, the Foundation is determined to create its own island solution for food self-sufficiency.

“These Statia eggs are better than those that come out of a supermarket,” says a local resident, who started buying the eggs when they were launched locally over a week ago. “Supermarket eggs have spent weeks in refrigeration before they arrive on our eating tables. Woodley’s eggs, on the other hand, are fresh and delicious.”

Woodley has over 100 cooped chickens in Zeelandia. “I would have started selling eggs last year, but the Hurricanes [Irma and Maria – Ed.] blew away 500 members of my flock,” he said.

His dream of starting an egg venture was prompted two years ago by following a chicken farming course in Suriname. Woodley explains that he is breeding four types of chicken, including the famous Rhode Island Red, which is known for its prolific egg laying and rich-flavoured meat.

Woodley and Peeters hope to market their Statian chicken meat they believe will be infinitely tastier than the factory variety bought in local stores.

Given that eggs are a common food item and one of the most versatile ingredients used in cooking, Woodley has sparked a welcome cottage industry. However, the future does not end there; ducks and pigs are also being bred on the farm.

“Duck eggs are even richer in protein than hen’s eggs,” Peeters comments, “and our pigs are being raised in a loving environment.”

Dr. Teresa Leslie of St. Eustatius Foundation (SEF) applauds the sale of local eggs. “St. Eustatius imports almost a million eggs per year from the United States. Most of these eggs are factory-produced, and by the time they arrive in various strange sizes on the shores of Statia, their freshness has deteriorated.”

She recommends the entire community of Statia buying these eggs. “The more local produce we can consume on our beautiful island, the healthier and wealthier we shall be,” said Leslie.

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/75804-egg-cellent-eggs-laid-and-launched-on-statia

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