THE ORGANISER of the annual Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show, the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), has spent about $20 million to make this the 53rd staging of the island's premier agricultural event bigger and better and more exciting. The show starts today. Lawrence Madden, chief executive officer of the JAS, said that emphasis has been placed on improving the show grounds.
At this year's show, Mr. Madden said, the grounds have been properly organised into designated areas for exhibition, a food court, jerk city, farmers market, parish display, entertainment and livestock display.
He said additional attractions, such as a $100,000 treasure hunt competition, horticultural show, an invitational chef competition and visit by the Rising Star participants, along with the traditional Farm Queen competition, champion young farmer crowning and youth in agriculture competitions, gospel concert have been included in this year's show.
More importantly, Mr. Madden pointed out that there will be visitors from Bermuda and neighbouring Caribbean islands who will be coming to the show to view the products on display and establish business partnerships with local farmers.
MONEY SPENT ON REPAIRS
The JAS CEO noted that most of the money was spent on effecting repairs to the Denbigh show ground that was severely damaged during Hurricane Ivan last September. "We have been able to at least bring back most of the buildings like the president's pavilion, the grandstand, the building that houses the farm queen and the entertainers, we have cleaned up all the trees and debris and it is really looking good," he said.
Mr. Madden pointed out that some of the buildings have not been fully restored, but will be repaired over an extended period.
Mr. Madden expressed optimism that despite the significant damage done to the agricultural sector as a result of three hurricanes and drought earlier this year, the quality of produce on display will not be affected.
"Farmers still are resilient, they are the ones who want to have the show (and) whether rain or shine the Denbigh show is on this weekend," he emphasised.
He, however, noted that "the quantity (of agricultural produce on display) may be affected because you might not find some things available now."
