Youth in Agriculture Shine at Denbigh

The best of the country’s youth in agriculture was on full display as the three-day Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show got underway on Saturday (July 30).

The innovations and best practices by young farmers and agriculture students were the highlight of the opening day which was dubbed ‘Youth Day’.

At the youth village, spearheaded by the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, there were exhibitions and demonstrations by talented youngsters, showcasing how they have applied technology to transform agriculture.

Among the exhibitors at the youth village were the finalists in the ‘Grow Smart’ competition, where a share of $1 million was up for grabs.

Angelique Chen of St. Mary displayed her vertical drum planter to the delight of visitors, while Rolan Rosewell of St. Ann created a buzz with his self-sufficient, miniature vegetable and herb garden that waters itself.

Jason Collins, another St. Mary native, shone with his Bamboo A-frame that allows for multi-planting.

An impressed Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said that “this new era of agriculture in Jamaica is the era of innovation and efficiency towards sustainability and food security.”

He said that the Jamaica 4-H Clubs is “on the right track” and “youngsters must be able to stand proud and say I am an agronomist, an agricultural scientist or an agronomic engineer.”

In his address, Executive Director of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Dr. Ronald Blake, noted that the organisation has taken training in agriculture to a new level.

“We have worked to make our youth farmers smarter and so 756 persons were certified in partnership with the HEART/NSTA Trust under the National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQ-J). These are now youngsters, who can apply their trade anywhere across the world,” Dr. Blake noted.

He said plans are in place to certify another 1000 young farmers this year.

Denbigh, which is in its 68th staging, is the oldest and largest agricultural show in the English-speaking Caribbean. It was halted for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s event, in celebration of Jamaica 60, was held under the theme: ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart’.

The three-day show culminated on Emancipation Day, Monday, August 1.