Day 1 of the 2025 Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in Clarendon attracted hundreds of patrons and business operators, including one family which runs its own herbaceutical company.

Jameila Barnes, director of data management and communications at Herbaceutical Farms Limited, shows some of the products made by her family company at Denbigh 71 in May Pen, Clarendon, on Friday, August 1, 2025.

An excited Ainsworth Brown, one of the directors of Herbaceutical Farms Limited, told the Jamaica Observer that he was happy that the three-day show has provided his family the opportunity to promote its products.

The family business, which previously operated under the name AA Farms, is more than three decades old, but just over a year ago had to be rebranded and renamed.

“I must say I am very proud, just to see that the family heritage is carrying on. My niece is here and there are other persons in the family who couldn’t make it today but they will be coming on one of the days. We are happy to know that this legacy is continuing and it keeps on growing into different phases and getting better and better,” Brown said on Friday.

“We are from St Mary. I was born practising and I saw my grandparents mixing plants and making teas. I have now brought it to a place where we are extracting essential oils. My children and the next generation are going to take it to nanotechnology. Each phase, we find that we are making advancements and we are keeping up-to-date and moving forward to greater things,” Brown shared.

“Today we are displaying a blend of essential oils and cold press oils which are therapeutic oils. We are displaying essential oils which are derived from steam distillation. We also have a product called hydrosol which is something a lot persons are not quite aware of. Hydrosol is a product that is derived from extracting oils through steam distillation. You have two things that come out of the process — the essential oil and another very potent extract which is not oil based and that is called hydrosol,” he said.

His niece, Jamelia Barnes, who is the director of data management and communication for the company, shared her vision of having the products spread globally.

“I want all these products to be in all the pharmacies, salons overseas and everywhere. I want everywhere people turn, they see us. Business has been really good. I am very proud and happy to be able to work alongside my family. Since I was six years old, I had a passion and dream to help as many persons as I can,” she told the Observer.

“I am a health-care assistant right now and I am looking to become a registered nurse. Being able to work with my family to create different products that can assist people with their different challenges and sickness, I am truly happy,” she said.

The show, now in its 71st year, is being held at Denbigh Showground in May Pen, Clarendon, under the theme ‘A New Era: Overcoming Challenges, Building Resilience, Securing Our Future’.

Over the three days patrons are being exposed to the best of agricultural production across the island, including innovations in the sector.

Organisers say more than 450 animals are on show and a nightly entertainment package has been organised for the event. That includes the Denbigh Good Vibes Party on August 1, featuring DJs Kurt Riley, Renaissance and Johnny Cool; the National Farm Queen Competition on August 2; and the Denbigh Hi-Pro Gospel Extravaganza on August 3 with George Nooks, Pastor Carlene Davis, Sister Pat, and other gospel artistes.

Serge Island Farms staffers Richard James (left) and Rowaldo Humes show the Supreme Champion bull on Day 1 of the three-day Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in May Pen, Clarendon, on Friday, August 1, 2025. (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

Parish farm queens (from left) Tami-Ann Llewellyn, Kingston & St Andrew; Randa Reid, Hanover; and Alexia Adam Trelawny, at Denbigh 71 in May Pen, Clarendon, on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Four Paths Infant and Primary School students perform a Contra Quadrille dance on Day 1 of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial, and Food Show in May Pen, Clarendon, on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Asher Payne, who is visiting from the United States, pets one of the cows on display at Denbigh 71 in May Pen, Clarendon, on Friday, August 1, 2025.

A variety of produce on display at the 71st staging of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in Clarendon.

Jennie Wedderburn smells one of the goat milk soaps available from Larmond Global Enterprise, while Dreana Larmond speaks about the many health benefits of the product at Denbigh 71 in May Pen, Clarendon, on Friday August 1, 2025.

Ravaine Elliot and mom Shontona Elliot enjoy Denbigh 71 for the first time on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Shenley Williams (foreground), owner of Suncrest Farm, and Joseph Durrant inspect a two-year-old Boer goat at Denbigh 71 in May Pen, Clarendon, on Friday August 1, 2025.

Ainsworth Brown, owner of Herbaceutical Farms, gives Chantel Ingram of the Social Development Commission a whiff of the company’s pimento oils on display at his booth at this year’s Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in Clarendon.