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JAS Says Farmers can Access Loans at Denbigh this Weekend

July 28, 2009

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Farmers attending the Jamaica Agricultural Society’s (JAS) Denbigh Agro-Industrial Show this week-end will enjoy a number of firsts, including access to micro-financing from Jamaica National.
This was announced at a JIS Think Tank Tuesday (July 28th), by outgoing President of the JAS and Chairman of the Denbigh Show Committee, Senator Norman Grant.
Senator Grant said that Jamaica National, one of the major sponsors, will be at the show to bring micro-financing to farmers in a big way.
“Farmers will be invited to register with Jamaica National at the Denbigh show to begin applying for loans,” he explained.
He said that Jamaica National will be rolling out a programme to provide funding using moderated collateral base such as crop lien, with supervision by entities like the JAS and RADA.
“This will address problems of collateral that have impeded access to funding for many farmers,” Senator Grant said.
Additionally, in excess of $800 million in local agricultural produce will be on show at Denbigh. This represents an increase from $400 million in 2004 and J$760 million in 2007.
“This translates into a huge farmers’ market in a centralised location, with mini farmers’ markets in the individual parish pavilions.” he added.
He also noted that President of Guyana and Chairman of CARICOM, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, will speak at the official ceremony on Sunday August 2, as guest of Jamaica’s Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding.
Other firsts for Denbigh this year, include prizes for protected agriculture, otherwise known as green house agriculture, and champion sheep and goat farmers.
There will be a medical centre in addition to a First Aid station; a vastly improved rest area; a new Farm Kids Family Village, where the 4H clubs will introduce children to budding, grafting domestic animals and other aspects of agriculture; an ‘Eat Jamaican Way’; the largest ever overseas contingent including some 40 delegates from the Caribbean; and nightly entertainment.
He said special arrangements have been made with the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) to have special Denbigh buses departing from central locations, such as the Half Way Tree Transport Centre, to Denbigh.
The show is the largest agro-industrial event in the Caribbean and certain events will be streamed live on the INTERNET, through the POWER 106 and JIS websites.
The Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show, will be held over the Emancipation weekend, Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2, 2009 at the Denbigh Show Grounds, May Pen, Clarendon, commencing at 8:00 am and closing at 10:00 pm daily.

Last Updated: August 26, 2013

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