Harry Douglas, state minister in the Ministry of Local Government and the Environment, has called for more young people to get involved in farming, in order to strengthen the agricultural sector.

Giving the main address at the official opening of the 21st annual St Mary Agri Expo held on April 9 at the Annotto Bay Sports Club, Douglas opined that the participation of young people in agriculture would provide the energy and revolutionary thinking needed for the development of the industry.

He noted that St Mary had unlimited potential in terms of agricultural development and exhorted the young people of the parish to view farming as an enterprise, which could provide them with highly profitable returns if managed properly.

Citing banana production as one area, which offered attractive earnings, Douglas said the product was in high demand locally and abroad.

The show, which was held under the theme “Agriculture and Tourism in Partnership”, was organised by the St Mary Association of Branch Societies of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) in association with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and featured activities such as the chefs and pan chicken cook-off; judging of the youth in agriculture, champion farmer and JAS branch competitions; and the coronation of the St Mary farm queen.

The show provided an opportunity for farmers to display their produce, make contact with buyers, and explore business opportunities, while participants were exposed to the latest in agricultural technology.

Douglas congratulated JAS and RADA for putting on the show and gave the assurance that the government would continue to work with both organisations for the development of agriculture.

Custos of St Mary, AA Bobby Pottinger, in his remarks, also commended the organisers and lauded the high quality of the exhibits displayed by the farming community.