PRESIDENT of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Senator Norman Grant said the Denbigh Agricultural Industrial and Food Show will be of a world-class nature this year.

“The transformational and game-changing approaches we are implementing will make Denbigh a world-class event,” said Grant as he addressed the official launch which was held on the lawn of the Hi-Pro ACE Supercentre in White Marl, St Catherine on Wednesday.

According to Grant, the agricultural show has served as a reminder of what the country has achieved in agriculture and its related sectors as well as highlight the contribution of the more than 200,000 farmers to the development of Jamaica’s economy.

Organisers of the event, slated to be held from August 1 to 3 at the Denbigh Show Grounds in May Pen, Clarendon, are expecting approximately 80,000 patrons to attend.

In order to facilitate a better ‘Denbigh experience’ the village concept has been replaced by the hub concept which is said to offer a more effective means by which patrons will interact with the various activities and linkages on show.

“This year the hubs will be more cohesive, more organised and more likely to achieve value added goals,” said Grant, who is also chairman of the Denbigh organising committee.

He explained that there will be five hubs which will focus on health, children and family, tourism, organic agriculture and youth in agriculture.

The show, which is being held under the theme “Grow What we Eat, Eat What we Grow: Agriculture Growing for Growth, will also feature it’s traditional exhibitions, car show, farmer’s market, bamboo display, various competitions and symposium on global trade. The symposium will provide sponsors, and stakeholders an opportunity to interact, establish contacts and learn about other markets and products locally and internationally. Other attractions and activities will include a Caribbean Food Festival hosted by the 4-H Club, a National Farm Queen Coronation Show and a gospel concert on the final night.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Agriculture Roger Clarke commended the organisers of Denbigh for their contribution to the country and the sector over the years. He said it is at the Denbigh show that farmers, the persons who feed us, are given the recognition they deserve.

“Denbigh is a critical element in what we do. It is that place where our farmers gather each year to trade thoughts and we recognise them as pillars of growth development in the country,” Clarke said.

The minister symbolically handed the Denbigh torch to the committee’s chairman, which is expected to go around the island over the next 60 days to promote the show. It will be brought back to the show ground on July 31 where it will be handed over to Governor General Sir Patrick Allen as a declaration of the show’s official opening on August 1.

This year will be the 62nd staging of the agricultural show in Jamaica.