HAGUE, Trelawny — The annual Hague Agricultural and Livestock Show returns to the Hague Show Grounds on Ash Wednesday, February 22 after a two-year hiatus due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Hundreds of people from all walks of like are expected to turn out for what will be the 66th staging of the event, hosted by the Trelawny Association of Branch Society, an affiliate of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), under the theme: ‘Fostering Economic Growth, Through Agricultural Value Chains.’

The show gives farmers and producers of agricultural products the opportunity to showcase a diversity of agricultural products and services that are aligned with agriculture.

Trelawny Association of Branch Society President Audrey Nelson told the Jamaica Observer West that this year’s staging of the popular Ash Wednesday show promises to be bigger and better than previous years.

She noted that the popular dog show, which was absent from the last staging of the event, will be back this year.

“The show over the years has showcased agricultural produce and livestock focusing on the farmers of Trelawny and surrounding parishes and this year will be no different,” Nelson told the Observer West.

“On the day, farmers will be highlighted for their continuous hard work that they put into the sector, through agricultural branch competition, livestock and farm queen competitions. Along with the agricultural competitions, there will be a number of villages: economic, youth in agriculture area, horticultural, health and wellness, education/technology, kiddies as well as environmental.”

The last staging of the event — held over two days in 2020 — was officially declared open by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who described it as a resounding success. It was the first time in the history of the show that a prime minister of Jamaica was doing the official opening duties.

In delivering his remarks at the show, Holness singled out Nelson and Tova Hamilton, then co-chairs of the Hague Show Committee, for a well-organised event.

“These two ladies put in a great deal of work. Over the past few years the show had gone through a period of decline. What I am seeing here and what I am being told is that there is a resurgence of the Hague Show,” said the prime minister.

“I am here at Hague to show my support for the agricultural sector, to show my support for rural development, show my support for the efforts of the small farmers, who have been toiling for centuries in this country. The time has come to pair your energy, your effort, your commitment with the capital and the technology and the scale needed to make agriculture a profitable endeavour in Jamaica.”

Sherwood Content, Trelawny resident Edgar Harrison, who has been attending the popular show for many years, expressed delight at the announcement of the return of the event.

“I welcome back the show…it is something that farmers as well as the general public always look forward to. I personally look forward to seeing the agricultural produce, the animals and flowers on display. The show really provides a lot of fun and excitement for everyone,” said Harrison.

Trelawny farmer Neville Johnson was also elated.

He stressed that the Hague show not only gave the farmers of Trelawny and other parishes an opportunity to showcase their produce, but also provide them with a forum for the exchange of information on improved production techniques, the adoption of which is critical to the growth of the agricultural sector.