JAMAICANS are being encouraged to come out in their numbers to support the 70th staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show.

Due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl on the agriculture sector, this year’s show has been scaled down to a one-day event on Independence Day, Tuesday, August 6, at the Denbigh Showground in Clarendon. It will be held under the theme ‘Building Back Through Resilience’.

Speaking in an interview with JIS News, deputy chief executive officer of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) and team lead for Denbigh 2024, Derron Grant, said that the show promises to be just as engaging and educational as the traditional three-day event.

Denbigh 2024 will feature a variety of activities, including displays and competitions from the small ruminant sector, Farm Queen competition, and an array of commercial exhibitors.

Grant pointed out that instead of the usual parish pavilions, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, JAS and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) will incorporate in their pavilions displays similar to those the parish exhibitors would have showcased.

The highlight of Denbigh 2024 will be a seminar organised by the three entities covering areas such as how to protect farm crops and greenhouse structures before, during, and after a storm; how to care for animals post-hurricane; and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure human and food safety.

The seminar are aimed at equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance their resilience against future hurricanes. Denbigh 2024 experience will also include a Kiddies Village featuring a merry-go-round, bounce-about, slides, and other child-friendly activities.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness; Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green, along with several other officials, will be in attendance.

The prime minister will be the main speaker at the opening ceremony, scheduled to start at 2:00 pm.

Grant said there will be adequate parking spaces to accommodate 10,000 vehicles, and security personnel will be on hand to ensure the safety of patrons.

The day’s activities will culminate with the ‘Ultimate Denbigh Retro Party’, which kicks off at 6:00 pm with performances from several local entertainers.

Individuals or organisations interested in setting up exhibitions are invited to contact the JAS.