KINGSTON, Jamaica — For more than 30 years, Hi-Pro has been a major sponsor of the annual Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show.

The partnership has worked wonders for the company, according to Colonel (Ret’d) Jaimie Ogilvie, vice president of Hi-Pro, who underscored that “agriculture is business”.

“Hi-Pro is the market leader in all agricultural inputs in the sector, and there is nothing in agriculture in Jamaica that Hi-Pro doesn’t touch. Denbigh is not just testimony of support to our farmers, who are the backbone of our industry — it is what showcases the development and the trends in agriculture and to let people understand that agriculture is business. You don’t invest in something if there’s no return; (it) doesn’t matter at what level you invest. And this is what drives Jamaica’s economy,” Ogilvie told Observer Online Tuesday.

He was speaking shortly after the launch of this year’s staging of the event, which was held on the lawns of Hi-Pro, White Marl in St Catherine.

The 71st staging of the show is being held under the theme “A New Era — Overcoming Challenges, Building Resilience, Securing Our Future”. It will be held over three days from August 1-3 at the Denbigh Showgrounds in May Pen, Clarendon.

Ogilvie shared that several people benefit from agriculture, and his company will continue to be a part of the process.

“Agriculture employs more than 200,000 people, and their families benefit from it. Agriculture is big, and Hi-Pro has ensured that agriculture continues to be pushed, and that’s why we support Denbigh in a major way every year, and we’re not going to stop. We have to stand shoulder to shoulder with our farmers,” said Ogilvie.

Several events will be held at Denbigh over the three-day period. On Friday, August 1, it’s governor general’s day, while later in the night will see the inaugural staging of Denbigh’s Good Vibes Party from 7:00 pm featuring Renaissance Disco and several sound systems and DJs as well as a live performance.

Saturday, August 2, is the minister’s and youth day which will feature the coronation of the National Farm Queen at 6:00 pm, while Sunday, August 3, is the prime minister’s day and will feature the Hi-Pro Gospel Extravaganza at 6:00 pm, which is produced by Glory Music.

Other events that will comprise the three-day event include Youth in Agriculture, Livestock Competition, Champion Farmer and Rudolph Burke competition.