By Monique Hepburn, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
THE 16TH staging of the 'Mont-pelier Agricultural Show', which will take place on Easter Monday April 12, will be staged under the theme, 'We are what we eat, eat Jamaican,. The theme is in keeping with Government's bid to get Jamaicans to support local farmers.
Speaking at the launch of the show last Thursday, Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke said the event, which is organised by the St. James Branch of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), is an important avenue designed to showcase the contribution of local farmers in the quest to feed the nation.
EXHIBITS
The show, which will once again offer a blend of agricultural exhibits and entertainment, will see some 85 exhibitors showcasing agricultural and horticultural products, livestock, ornamental birds and fish, food and beverage, art and craft, and information booths.
The launch of the show, which took place at the Sunset Beach Resort in Montego Bay, was highlighted by Minister Clarke's announcement that tremendous growth has taken place in the agricultural sector over the last year.
"Over the period January-December 2003, the agriculture and fisheries sector in terms of real GDP (Gross Domestic Product), saw growth of 5.7 per cent," said Minister Clarke, who praised the efforts of farmers in St. James in noting that the parish was doing well in terms of production.
TECHNOLOGY
"The heart and soul of St. James is rooted in the things it grows. Last year, St. James produced 8,600 tonnes of yams and 1,000 tonnes of plantains to give two examples," Minister Clarke noted, in urging the farmers to introduce technology in their practices to ensure a higher level of quality and productivity. "Technology must be brought to bear on our production. We must learn to swim or we are going to drown."
Glendon Harris, the president of the St. James branch of the JAS, said he was quite optimistic that the show will be a big success once again, both in terms of the farmers and what they exhibit and the support of patrons, who have a history of turning out in large numbers for this event.
"We have seen the show grow from just over a 1,000 patrons in the early years to over 7,000 persons in 2003," said Mr. Harris. "We are predicting the attendance of over 10,000 patrons this year."
According to Mr. Harris, the organisers will be introducing 'branch' displays, wherein farmers will be trained to display their produce and engage patrons in discussions, thus stimulating them to play a more active role in the agricultural sector.
