JAS to Stage Bigger and Better Denbigh Show

Patrons attending the Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show this year will be treated to a bigger and better event, as the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) stages a richer and more diverse show from August 1 to 3 on the show grounds in May Pen.
“Over 200 general displays will be on show, some of which will be new and upgraded, stretching across agricultural and commercial displays,” President of the JAS, Senator Norman Grant said at a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’.
Some of the new and improved features will include a Vendors’ Arcade, Parish Pavilion Competition, Farmers’ Market, Food Courts, the Tourism Village, and the Denbigh Jerk City.
“This is where vendors are expected to demonstrate the many dishes that can be made from local products,” Senator Grant said of the Jerk City.
“Booth holders will therefore showcase the unique and creative manner in which quality agricultural produce and value added items can be packaged and showcased for the local and international markets, with a focus on improving the health and wellness of the society,” Senator Grant pointed out.
“Special features this year will include re-activating two fountains to improve the aesthetics of the show grounds and create a fantastic imagery; a fully stocked shade house, where patrons will be able to buy seedlings and plants and a display of wild animals by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA),” he highlighted.
Additionally, the Tourism Village will showcase new and remarkable attractions and will demonstrate the linkages between tourism and agriculture. “Another interesting thing to look forward to is the Tourism Village. This will transform Denbigh into a tourism product,” an upbeat Senator Grant asserted. Five new hotels will be on board enhancing the agricultural and tourism product.
Speaking of self-sufficiency, Senator Grant said that this would be promoted at Denbigh 2008 and that it complements the theme: ‘Grow what you eat.Eat what you grow’.
“Self-sufficiency is indeed the vision within the JAS, thus the theme, ‘Grow what you Eat.Eat what you grow’, is demonstrative of the way forward to ensure survival amidst the present food security challenges,” he outlined, adding that agriculture provides a foundation for economic development.
“Agriculture is not the Cinderella of Jamaica but indeed it is the lifeblood of our economic development,” Senator Grant emphasized.
Special attention will be placed on the Champion Farmer and Young Farmer competitions that reward farmers who have excelled in cutting-edge farm practices.
He also noted that the Farm Queen competition is another exciting event on the roster and will be even more interesting this year with the new prizes and surprises.
“The National Farm Queen Competition provides a spark of elegance and class to Denbigh and the promotion of women in agriculture. This year’s contestants will have the chance to win a trip for two from Air Jamaica, a three-year scholarship to pursue a degree at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) and a three-month stint employed to the JAS,” he said.
Other events include the opening of the Norman Washington Grant Lecture Theatre, the launching of the Banana Consumption Campaign, and a Flag Raising Ceremony.
This year marks the 56th staging of the Denbigh Show, which is expected to attract more than 100,000 patrons, both locally and internationally.