Spotlight on Youth at Westmoreland Agricultural Show Set for June 2

The Westmoreland Agricultural Show 2024 is all set to shine the spotlight on the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Set for Sunday, June 2 at the Bay Road Sports Complex in Little London, this year’s event emphasises youth engagement with the theme ‘New Face of Food: Driving Food Security and Expanding Exports’.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Pius Lacan, told JIS News that the focus on young people is very significant, as their involvement is essential for the future growth and sustainability of agriculture.

The show aims to showcase innovations to inspire and educate the next generation, according to Mr. Lacan, who is also Second Vice President of the Westmoreland Association of Branch Society of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) that is spearheading the show.

“In fact, recently through the Jamaica 4-H Clubs we launched a container garden competition for the primary schools in Westmoreland. The youth use containers to grow various vegetables. Now out of that launch we have invited at least five students from each school to the show,” he noted.

“So, we’re looking at approximately 20 youngsters, minimum, who will be on location so that they can see the various innovations in agriculture, because we strongly believe that for us to grow in terms of an agricultural sector, there must be succession and there must be a focus in terms of the youth,” Mr. Lacan said.

The event also includes a local Economic Development Village, organised by the Social Development Commission (SDC), where young entrepreneurs can learn about and engage in local economic activities.

In addition to the youth-focused activities, the show will feature displays from various farmers’ groups, livestock exhibits, a farmers’ market, and vendors selling plants and tree crops.

The event will also have food and drink stalls and a dedicated kiddies’ area, ensuring a fun-filled day for families.

“Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, is expected to be the keynote speaker. So, he and his team are expected to be here. Also to attend is Custos Rotulorum for the parish of Westmoreland, Canon Hartley Perrin; the Mayor, and other key persons,” Mr. Lacan noted.

The show will last from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with admission fees of $1,000 for adults and $500 for children.

The event features a variety of activities and entertainment, including performances by popular artistes such as Yaksta, Shuga, and Grampa Entatain, alongside local talents.

Partnering organisations, such as the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Western Regional Health Authority and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), and other key sponsors, will provide additional educational resources and opportunities for youth engagement.

For his part, President of the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Moses Chybar, underscored the need to increase youth interest in agriculture.

He said the show will help re-establish the importance of agriculture within youngsters and rekindle their interest within the sector to the benefit of Westmoreland and the wider Jamaica.

Mr. Chybar, who is also a main sponsor of the event through Icon Importers & Distributors, further highlighted the importance of food security, noting that the event can help create a framework for sustainable food production.