Some $33 million has been earmarked for the staging of this year's Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show in Clarendon, Senator Norman Grant announced as he addressed farmers at the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) 113th annual general meeting at the venue on Wednesday.

Denbigh Show 2008 will be held August 1-3 during the Emancipation Day weekend, under the theme, 'Grow What We Eat, Eat What We Grow'.

"The total estimated cost to put on the event is $33 million and we are projecting revenues of $42 million, hence we are projecting a surplus of $9 million, which will be reinvested in the development of the showground," said Grant.

$5m from ministry

The Ministry of Agriculture has provided $5 million towards the staging of the show, where farmers islandwide gather to showcase the best of their produce in livestock and crops.

Other sponsors include Motor Sales and Service ($4m); Digicel ($3.2m) and Jamaica Broilers ($2.5m).

The amount given to parish show committees to prepare their exhibits for the show has also increased to $75,000, up from $50,000. The winner of the parish association competition will walk away with $200,000, an increase from $62,000.

As an added feature this year, patrons can win daily gate prizes of up to $50,000. On the first and second days, $25,000 will each be given away. The top prize, $50,000, will go to a lucky patron on the final day.