Plans progressing smoothly for St. Mary Agri Expo

PORT ANTONIO – Plans are progressing smoothly for the 25th staging of the annual St. Mary Agri Expo, to be held at the St. Mary Sports Club in Annotto Bay, on Easter Monday, April 25.

The event, which is being organised by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), will be held under the theme: ‘Grow what we eat – Eat what we grow’.

For the second consecutive year, the show will be held as a one-day feature, in contrast to former years, up to 2009, when it was staged as a two-day event spreading over Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

Among the major offerings will be a number of displays, including horticultural exhibits, livestock parade, kiddies village and competitive events, such as youth in agriculture contest, the St. Mary Farm Queen contest, and display booths by JAS branches in St. Mary.

Major sponsor for the event is the Jamaica Producers Group, and among the organisations which will be mounting displays are the Jamaica Livestock Association, Nutramix, Hi-Pro Feeds, Newport-Fersan, the Coffee Industry Board, the Coconut Industry Board, the Cocoa Industry Board and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).

An entertainment package, featuring cultural performances by a number of organisations and individuals from St. Mary, will also be among the events planned for the occasion.

Speaking to JIS News, JAS Parish Manager for St. Mary, Lavon Murdock, said planning for the expo is being spearheaded by a committee, headed by hotelier, Jeff McKitty, adding that every effort is being made to ensure that it is as successful and rewarding to patrons as those in the past, despite being reduced to a one-day event.

She pointed out that farmers in the parish are very supportive and enthusiastic about the show, and that JAS branches in the communities are fully mobilised to participate in the event.

Miss Murdock said she was particularly grateful to the farmers and participating organisations for the support they have given to the venture over the years.

By ASTON G. BAILEY