THIRTEEN competitions will be held during this year’s Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show, including the National Farm Queen, National Champion Farmer and livestock contests.

President of Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) and chairman of the Denbigh Planning Committee Norman Grant explained that competitions are the mainstay of the annual event, exposing the versatility of the agricultural sector, while showing the talents of the competitors.

The three-day event will be held from August 5-7 at the Denbigh Agricultural Show ground in May Pen, Clarendon, under the theme: ‘Grow What You Eat…Eat What You Grow — a Salute to Our Farmers, Nation Builders’.

In an interview with JIS News, Grant pointed out that a special feature of the 65th staging of the show is a salute to the Jamaican farmers, who are nation-builders.

As a result, several activities are planned to recognise the farmers during the show. These include: A parade of farmers on day two, starting at 10:00 am, and the presentation of the JAS President’s Medal of Appreciation to 65 farmers for their contribution to the agricultural sector.

“This is our way of recognising the work of our farmers who have contributed significantly to the development and transformation of the Jamaican economy,” Grant said.

Other features of Denbigh 2017 include: An organic village; Jamaica Diaspora Denbigh Symposium; tourism village; health and wellness village; farmers’ market; promotional village; and nightly entertainment.

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Karl Samuda is scheduled to give the main address on day one, August 5, while Governor General Sir Patrick Allen will be the main speaker on Sunday, August 6.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness will tour the grounds on Monday, August 7, after which he will give the main address.

The Denbigh agricultural show, which is organised by the JAS and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, is reportedly the largest agricultural event of its kind in Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the western hemisphere.

The main objectives of the show are to promote the agricultural sector, display the best foods produced in Jamaica, and highlight the importance of agriculture to the export sector and the national economy.

While highlighting the latest developments in agricultural technology, the Denbigh show also demonstrates linkages with other critical sectors of the economy, such as science and technology, research and development, tourism, entertainment, and finance.

Gates will open daily at 8:00 am to the public and admission is $1,000 for adults and $400 for children.