CAYMAN NEWS SERVICE (George Town, Cayman Islands) 16 November 10 Turtle stocks can sustain sale, says farm (CNS): The Cayman Turtle Farm has announced that it is holding holiday-season sale on turtle stew and menavelin. Tim Adam, managing director of the farm said that after a review of production it was believed that an increase in supplies could be sustained, if only temporarily for the season. Although it is anticipated prices will go back up in the New Year the turtle boss said this sale would allow food vendors to offer the traditional Caymanian dish on menus for Pirate’s Week, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year gatherings. Adam said the stocks still had to be managed but the farm appreciated the need to try and reduce prices given the time of year.
“We understand the importance and sentimental attractions of Caymanian culinary traditions, particularly during Pirate’s Week and the holidays, which bear an even greater traditional significance,” said Adam. “We are happy to offer the community the chance to maintain -- and remind others of -- their uniquely Caymanian identity and all the pleasures and cultural expressions that implies.”
He explained that the Turtle Farm had reviewed its production programme and concluding that increased supplies could be sustained, if only temporarily, and that soon after the New Year, prices were likely to return to higher levels.
“We still need to manage consumption of this traditional product, in order to keep supplies at a sustainable level. By and large, the community has supported us, and people seem to understand and accept the need for a programme of careful maintenance and conservation,” Adam revealed.
The new temporary prices are $10 per pound for stewing meat and $8 per pound for menavelin and it is being sold in five-pound lots. Prices of turtle meet were increased in February when the cost of turtle stew went from its years-long level of $5.40 per pound to $16, and menavelin from $4 to $12 as part of efforts to reduce consumption and enable replenishment of stocks at the Turtle Farm.
Turtle stocks can sustain sale, says farm