KSA Farmers Stage AGROFEST On Saturday At JC

The Kingston and St. Andrew Association of Branch Societies/Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) will stage its annual Agricultural and Industrial Show,’Agrofest’, on Saturday May 22, at the Jamaica College grounds, Old Hope Road, Kingston, starting at 8:00 a.m.

Senator Norman W. Grant, President of the Kingston and St. Andrew Association of Branch Societies/JAS

The Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Agricultural Show was introduced by the Parish Association of Branch Societies, under the leadership of its then President, Thelma King, in 1971.
The Show was initially held at Golden Spring but, after a 25 year absence, it was re-introduced in 1996 by the Association of Branch Societies (ABS) under the leadership of its President, Senator Norman W. Grant. Jamaica College has been the home of the Show since its re-introduction.
The Show has since been staged annually and attracts over 5,000 patrons and over 60 exhibitors, ranging from JAS Branch displays, horticultural displays, RADA displays to financial institutions.
There is the judging of JAS Branch Displays, with the champion display receiving the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Trophy, and the best Commercial Booth Display receiving the Cherry Savage Trophy.
The 2nd and 3rd place Branch Displays will be presented with the JAS President’s trophy and the Joyce Shaw trophy, respectively.
The Farm Queen for the parish is also crowned at this show and presented with the Thelma King Cup. The Champion Coffee Farmer is presented with the Keble Munn Cup sponsored by the Mavis Bank Coffee Factory.
The official tour of the grounds starts at 1:00 p.m. and the official opening ceremony at 2:00 p.m., when the keynote speaker gives the main address. Other features of the show include: police mounted troop exhibition, Guardsman canine display and a small ruminant display. Entertainment is provided for the entire family throughout the day. There is a Farmers’ Market, where fresh agricultural produce are available for patrons.
Two lucky patrons will be awarded a gate prize at the end of the Show.