ISO 9001:2008
• ‘ISO’ (International Organization for Standardization) is the world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards. • Being certified ISO 9001: 2008 means that our growers produce superior quality birds at first world standard and undergo regular audits to ensure quality, safety and efficiency
HACCP
• Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP), is a plan that is designed to point out important areas in the production process that could cause us harm from the foods we eat and puts measures in place to control or minimize the harm. • As a result, those important areas are protected to prevent any crisis from happening such as an outbreak of disease.
GMP
• ‘GMP’ stands for ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’ and encourages farmers to practice tasks such as accurate record keeping and pest control that will prevent any harm to their flock • Some of the things that have to be recorded are: all visitors to the farm, the temperature inside the chicken houses and the chlorine level of water.
Certified SAFE Though uncertain of the outcome, a group Less than 12 months later, after a thirteen visionary farmers earned the of courageous poultry farmers began their series of infrastructural improvements, privilege of becoming the Caribbean’s journey of attaining several international gruelling hours of training sessions, the first and only group of ISO 9001:2008, quality management and food safety implementation of several new processes HACCP and GMP certified farmers. certifications in 2013. With a common goal and procedures, audits by the leading The following pages share their story and of improving farm operations to run at the certification team in the world, and a take you on a journey that celebrates not highest level of global standards, this was substantial investment into the local only an epic achievement in the history of simply not possible without certification. agricultural sector exceeding $30M, the CB Group, but in Jamaican agriculture. II
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Message from the
Message from the
Minister of Agriculture
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s Jamaica continues on its journey to achieve the 2030 vision of being the place to live, work, do business and raise families, the agricultural sector has emerged as a major player in forging a platform from which this vision can be achieved. The CB Group is amongst a growing number of agrobased companies in Jamaica that have seen the wisdom in investing in the agricultural sector. Over the last decade, this company’s unfading belief in the resilience and resourcefulness of the Jamaican people has been demonstrated by major capital investments in poultry production, pork production, egg production, feed milling and, in more recent times, sorghum production at the Amity Hall Agro Park. It is noteworthy that the CB Group in its efforts to modernize
Minister of Health
agriculture in Jamaica has also moved to be globally competitive through the implementation and certification of its facilities to international quality management and food safety standards. This has led to seven companies within the CB Group, including its poultry grow out operations, being certified to ISO 9001:2008 and Codex GMP/HACCP. I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Jamaican Government, to congratulate the CB Group and the CB Contract Growers in achieving word-class status in their operations and management of their facilities and in producing safe poultry meat for the consumption of our people and for export. May you continue to chart a course worthy of emulating on our way to achieving Jamaica’s 2030-Vision.
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t is with a deep sense of pride both as Minister of Health and as a Jamaican that I offer heartiest congratulations to a pioneering group of farmers whose operations achieved ISO 9001:2008, HACCP and GMP certification. This is a proud moment for our country especially since we have managed to extend international standards by way of a seal of approval all the way beyond the farm gate.
This augurs well for food safety and asserts Jamaica’s export readiness. Jamaica must be in a position to produce safe food meeting international standards. These 13 Jamaican farmers have implemented the necessary changes and done the required upgrades that put the Jamaican Poultry industry in a proud place. May their trail-blazing effort stand as an example for others to follow.
Dr. Fenton Ferguson CD, DDS, FICD, MP Minister of Health
Roger Clarke, MP Minister of Agriculture
Why They Did It? Joining the Safe Food Movement While the CB Group always envisioned the day when the entire operation, from the hatching of eggs to the delivery of chicken, was Certified SAFE, it was decided that this plan would be implemented in a phased process. Starting with the Company‑owned and operated facilities,
the Newport Mills Feed Mill, where animal feed is produced, gained certification in 2010. The Hatchery, where the baby chicks are born, followed close behind achieving certification in 2011 and the processing plant, where the birds are cleaned, processed and packaged, gained certification in 2012. Soon, the CB Quality Management team began preparing the farmers for the certification process in early 2013. The entire team at the CB Group was extremely encouraged by the positive feedback, drive and
commitment of our farmers in wanting to play their part in ensuring that together, we fulfil the dream – SAFE FOOD for all Jamaicans! Naturally, there were concerns about the costs associated with the improvements and work involved in order to achieve these certifications, but having seen the company’s transformation at its certified facilities over the past three years, the farmers were confident that this was the next chapter and a step in the right direction.
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Without our farmers, there is no CB Chicken.
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ive years ago, we started with a dream: to produce the best quality chicken possible. Though, we may never be as big as the international companies and we may face many unique operational challenges, we could not accept that we were unable to produce a bird of comparable quality to the first world, or perhaps even better. Beg i n n i ng w it h one single idea, which quickly blossomed into securing a team led by an inspirational leader, Dr. Velton Gooden; our Quality Management Team has taken the entire CB Group and our partners to new heights in terms of safety and quality.
and have renewed their commitment and invested in not only their farms, but in the agricultural industry, their country and the people of Jamaica.
Through their efforts, the CB Group’s Safe Food Movement, has officially started within our farming Today, we proudly recognize group. This giant step sets the thirteen farmers who an example for many to boldly stepped forward follow and we look forward
to the vast majority of our On behalf of the entire farmers achieving this CB Family, it is with pride milestone by 2015. and joy I congratulate these businessmen Without our farmers, there a n d b u s i n e s s w o m e n is no CB Chicken. For so on achieving their ISO long, we have relied on 9 0 01 : 2 0 0 8 , H A C C P, them to provide Jamaica GMP Certification! with top quality chicken, and we will continue to rely on them to produce an even better quality chicken, which is now Mr. Matthew Lyn internationally certified. Director, CB Group
How They Did It Mission: Certified SAFE Beginning with awareness seminars led by Dr. Velton Gooden, the CB Quality Management Team shared their experiences with the farmers to prepare them for the demanding road ahead. Dr. Gooden stated that, “Without the farmers, we can never truly be Certified SAFE. Though we would be certified at the start and at the end, without certification in the middle, we would only fulfil a piece of the promise. However, if we work hard and work together, we can do it”. Once everyone was on the same page, the farmers could act quickly to implement the
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necessary programmes, documentation, training and the necessary framework. The first step was to conduct an audit to identify weaknesses and determine where efforts should be concentrated.
The proposed investments would make the farm safer from potential diseases as well as safer for workers and visitors, in addition to increasing and improving efficiency.
Having a clearer understanding of where the farmers stood collectively, the mandatory Pre‑Requisite Programme could be put into practice. This included: extensive training for all the farm workers, a preventative maintenance plan for the equipment, audits of suppliers, and strict documentation policies as it relates to traceability.
Lastly a HACCP plan was needed to evaluate, measure, analyse and mitigate against all the risks related to the live operation, including any physical, chemical and biological hazards.
This was followed by a plan to upgrade the farm’s infrastructure to ensure compliance with the new procedures that were to be introduced.
Upon completion of Phase 1 of the audit in August 2013, it was clear that more was needed from the group of farmers before they could qualify for certification. Yet, by December 2013, during the final audit, all thirteen farmers successfully passed, making history as pioneers in the poultry field.
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We understand the importance of ensuring only the safest and best of our products reach the consumers.
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n late 2012, we set on a journey with 13 of our poultry producers, to create a first for the poultry industry in Jamaica. When we introduced the concept to our Growers, the overwhelming response was, “Just tell us what we need to do. We’re on board.” Now, as they say, the rest is history.
Of the 13 farms which participated in the certification process, ALL 13 WERE SUCCESSFUL and are now ISO 9001: 2008, HACCP and GMP certified. It is with gratitude and sincerity that I wish heartiest congratulations to each and every one of our Certified SAFE farmers - Acton Barrett, Richard Bennett, Charlene Blackwood, Leon Blackwood, Sharon Briscoe, Dudley Brown, Jerome Cunningham,
Dean Dunkley, Desmond Duval, Harry Gentles, Rudolph Lee, Andrew & Nazier Mattrasingh and Roy Passley. You have made us all so very proud and you truly deserve this recognition for your hard work and commitment in bringing safe food to our fellow Jamaicans.
impossible to accomplish without your partnership. So, as we continue to work together in support of the Ministry of Agriculture’s “Eat what we grow, grow what we eat” campaign, CB Group pledges its support to assist our Growers in maintaining their certified status. We also assure all our other Growers, that we will be working with you to ensure your certification during the coming months.
As a SAFE FOOD company, we understand the importance of ensuring only the safest and best of our products reach Mr. Mark Haskins the consumers, a feat CEO, CB Group
What’s Different? The certified SAFE difference
Today, though many farms look the same on the outside, farm operations and standards is what truly differentiate the certified farmer from his average counterpart.
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Specific training for all livestock handlers
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Food handler’s permits for all farmers
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A documented biosecurity control programme
Behind the closed gates, a mandatory practice to keep out potential biosecurity hazards including stray dogs, goats and even people is maintained. Many of the good advised practices have now become standard practices under the certification programme. These include:
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A water treatment/ chlorination programme
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A documented pest control programme
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A certified waste disposal programme
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Installed signage and labels
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Why Should I Care? Aiming for the best There’s an old saying, “Garbage In, Garbage Out”. Scientific data indicates that global food safety has become an increasing concern. With several product recalls worldwide, knowing where your food comes from and how it is grown should be important. Legislatively, the answer rests in the recently passed
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Food Safety Modernization Act in 2011, which mandates the company and its partners to become more responsible in providing the public with safe food. The financial answer upholds that these certifications help mitigate potential liability from food borne illnesses and people getting sick. But the most simple and logical answer is that a better managed farm will inevitably produce better chicken. Our CB farmers have invested in their operations, their people and in the country to create a safer environment, a healthier bird and ultimately a better chicken for you and your family!
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What’s Next? More to come... Already into Phase 2, the second group of farmers have begun their journey to obtain their certification by the end of this year, with an expectation that the vast majority of CB Farmers will be compliant by late 2015.
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Meet our Farmers
We met up with the internationally certified farmers and asked them:
Since achieving certification,
what improvements have you seen in your farm?
10 years 13 years farming for
Mr. Richard Bennet West Prospect, Bog Walk
I’ve learnt how to properly store waste and contain any incidence of pests that may harm the flock on my farm. The implementation of proper recordkeeping allows me to pay closer attention to the activities on the farm, which has led to an increase in profits.
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farming for
Mr. Desmond Duval Treadways, St. Catherine
Following the recommendations by my technical field officer, I’ve seen where record keeping, especially where water consumption is concerned, allows you to track KPIs for optimal poultry health. Certification has also aided in proactive measures to address any eventuality that may affect the outcome of each flock.
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11 years
20 years
farming for
farming for
Ms. Elaine Pryce
Mr. Harry Gentles
Osbourne Store, Clarendon
(Represented by his son Fabian Gentles) Bushy Park, St. Catherine
The biggest improvement is producing more market- ready birds. We have seen an increase in profits and expect even more efficiency and profit as time goes on.
We now earn more money per flock, and the improvements in areas such as signage, record keeping and proper waste management make the farm more efficient.
25 years farming for
Mr. & Mrs. Blackwood Bannister, St. Catherine
There have been a number of improvements in our farm since becoming certified: • We are more focused on running a proper operation • The physical environment that we grow our birds in is significantly more sanitary • We are more financially independent
15 years farming for
Mr. Andrew Mattrasingh Clarendon Park, Clarendon
I’ve seen lots of improvements like: • More accurate record keeping • Tidier surroundings • And I’m more aware of the importance of food safety • I can now boast to the competition that I am one of only 13 farmers in Jamaica and the Caribbean that can export their chicken to anywhere in the world.
16 years farming for
Mr. Dudley Brown
(represented by his daughter Ms. Nicole Brown) Clarendon Park, Clarendon Our flocks are much cooler in temperature which leads to happier more relaxed birds.
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Meet our Farmers
CONTINUED
16
6 years
years farming for
farming for
Ms. Sharon Briscoe
Mr. Dean Dunkley
Clarendon Park, Clarendon
Osbourne Store, St. Catherine
Our birds are much happier and we have also seen very little incidence of disease in our flock since achieving certification.
Being certified is a great feeling, I can see that my efforts have been recognized on an international level and my farm operates better.
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ur goal of accomplishing international certification for integrated broiler meat production is now a reality. The successful accreditation of our contract farms and their ability to surpass all standards for good management practice in the production of safe food for our consumers is a major accomplishment. These contract growers join a selected group of poultry growers worldwide to enjoy this classification, with directive from our Quality Management Team, Veterinary Sta and Field Management Team. We congratulate our pioneer group of contract growers as we celebrate the opportunity to assure our customers of our commitment to supply safe food to all. The emphasis on food safety throughout the world continues
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to direct focus on biosecurity and management practices being of the highest integrity. As such, the monitoring processes and control of inputs in the food production chain enjoy continuous focus for international acceptance. Our Contract Growers lead this charge: a Job Well Done!
Mr. Eaton Barrett, Divisional Manager, Live Production
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Ms. Sharon Chambers & Ms. Novine English Linstead, St. Catherine
6 years farming for
There has been an increase in the quality of the flocks produced which equals increased profits. The farm surroundings are also more aesthetically pleasing and maintained in top shape which motivates us to always keep it that way.
15 years farming for
Mr. Rudolph Lee
Rose Hall, St. Catherine
Certification is still a new thing for me, but being able to operate my farm at international standards means that more hotels and business will buy CB Chicken. This will result in increased profit for everyone.
on your accomplishment, JOB Well Done. From Your Poultry Housing Specialists………
5 years farming for
Mr. Acton Barrett
Gimmie-Me-Bit, Clarendon We’ve seen a decrease in the number of unfit market birds as well as an increase in the weight yield of flocks since we’ve put strict measures in place, such as no pets being allowed on the farm.
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lobally, food safety has become an emerging imperative. Expansion
in global food trade and improvements in transportation and communication systems have shrunk the world into a global village resulting in the foods that we consume on a daily basis originating from diverse places.
Variability in food safety standards around the world has led to the outbreak of illnesses and even deaths caused from food poisoning. In response, some countries have strengthened their food defence systems and have enacted tough food regulatory requirements such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) passed in January 2011 in the USA by the Obama administration. It is against this heightened awareness for the need of all involved in the global food chain to implement and be certified to internationally recognized food safety and quality management systems, that we would like to congratulate the farms that are a part of the CB contract growers on their certification to ISO 9001:2008 and GMP/HACCP quality management and food safety systems. This outstanding achievement speaks in no uncertain terms about their commitment to providing safe
chicken meat for the Jamaican consuming public, our export markets and to protect the safety of the global food chain. Once again congratulations!
Dr. Velton Gooden Head - Quality & Export
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