Safiya Clennon is rooted in the field of agriculture
THE National Farm Queen Competition is not your average pageant. In fact, the focus is not on beauty, but rather the combination of a good understanding of the agricultural sector, eloquence, and of course an interest in becoming an ambassador for a year for the farming industry. Incidentally, as young women (the age range for the competition being 18-25), they are a fairly unconventional choice for agricultural ambassadors in a society that views farming as an industry mainly for men. This view, however, is changing.
The Nutramix-sponsored National Farm Queen Competition was held on day one of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Denbigh Agri-Industrial Show in May Pen, Clarendon on July 30. The coronation show saw many intriguing talent pieces, performances, and of course, a display of the grace and intelligence by 12 contestants who all vied for the top spot. However, it was the 21-year-old CASE graduate from St James, Safiya Clennon, who was declared the winner. She is now charged with the task of representing not just her parish, country, and the JAS, but also women everywhere, as the aim is to dispel the myth that women cannot boast as much success as men in the field of agriculture.
1. What led you to enter the competition?
As an adventurous individual, it has always been a part of me to seek out new experiences and possibilities. I have ventured in many different areas — agriculture included. It is with this and my ever-growing passion for agriculture that I decided to enter the Farm Queen Competition, as I saw an opportunity to be exposed to a more fun and educative aspect of agriculture which also aids my personal development and awareness as a youth in agriculture.
2. What did you study at CASE?
At the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), I pursued a bachelor of science degree in agricultural education. It has always been my aim to help others in whatever way I can. When I applied to CASE I researched the programmes in order to know which of the degrees offered would have given me a chance to engage in a lot of public relations. The classroom, of course, encapsulated this objective.
3. What did the competition teach you about yourself?
The competition has taught me that I do have the ability to lead and make a difference within the agricultural sector. It showed me that as a youth ambassador for agriculture, I have a voice and whenever I speak it will always make a difference within the agricultural sector.
4. What were the highlights of the competition?
The highlights for me were getting to know the other contestants, and going to the women empowerment seminars that taught us that we are important and what we (women) do, say and contribute does matter. The overall mentorship that we received from our chaperone, the members of the JAS body and our respective trainers made us into more rounded young ladies, and also the various visits that we were afforded to the different dignitaries [were encouraging].
5. How challenging is it being a woman in agriculture?
Agriculture is considered to be a male-dominated sector, and as a result women are expected to be supporters and/or ‘aides’ to these men. History shows the woman as the caretaker of domestic affairs and also a common labourer in the fields, which has undermined the significant contributions that women have continuously made to the sector in key areas such as production, research, marketing and processing. Even though within the Western Hemisphere women are pushing forward in agriculture, gaining rights and a voice, globally women have somehow still managed to fall short on equality within the agricultural sector.
6. Why do you think people view farming as a “Plan B” rather than a very lucrative “Plan A”?
Farming was once recognised as the backbone of the nation, providing food, essential raw materials and employment. However, there has been a stereotypical image of farmers which also dates back from prehistoric times wherein a common farmer was just a slave. This then evolved into the belief that agriculture and farming were associated with older, uneducated persons. Our culture therefore pushed our parents to encourage their children to become lawyers, accountants and doctors and so on, as these were the positions held by slave masters and/or the upper class persons within society. People will therefore venture into other areas before reverting to agriculture.
7. How did the tours you took with title-sponsor Nutramix help you to understand the many different faces of agriculture?
The tours exposed me to new and innovative technology and techniques in agriculture. The state-of-the-art facility that we visited at the Caribbean Broilers Imagination Farms showed me that agriculture in Jamaica is in fact developing and making significant contributions to our economy as we boast the best research and production facility that is internationally recognised and also certified in the Caribbean.
The Stush in the Bush experience was a life changer, from the van rides, the beautiful scenes, farm and historical tours and great family ambiance to the delectable vegan meals that were served, it was definitely a trip to remember. The most important aspect was that the family members are organic farmers who therefore contribute to our health and the environment as they reduce effects such as toxins in both areas and also support our local organic farmers in supplying their needs to meet the demand of their guests, which also adds back to our nation’s economic growth.
