MONTPELIER, St James — AGRICULTURE minister Pearnel Charles Jr says that the successful staging of the Montpelier Agricultural and Industrial Show at the Montpelier Showground on Easter Monday has set the tone for the staging of the Denbigh Show and the other agricultural shows later in this year.

Charles Jr gave high marks to the St James Association of Branch Society of the Jamaica Agricultural Society for the staging of the event.

The Montpelier show was the first major agricultural show to be staged since the novel coronavirus pandemic two years ago.

“I believe that this Montpelier Agricultural Show will serve as a historic springboard for us to have excellent shows bouncing back from the pandemic.

“I am glad to be the minister of agriculture and fisheries in this most challenging time because we are being challenged, but we are responding and we are showing that we are going to respond even stronger for this year coming up. I am looking forward to Denbigh, I am looking forward to the other shows, and I am looking forward to our sectoral presentation on May 10 where we are going to set the vision for agriculture and fisheries. So, all Jamaica listen out,” the agriculture minister told the Jamaica Observer West.

Custos of St James Bishop Conrad Pitkin was also impressed with the successful return of the event to the parish.

“From observation, the expansion of the many booths and the quality of the exhibitions have progressively gotten bigger and better. This type of platform will better assist farmers in marketing their products. As leaders, we must continue to encourage our farmers to work closely with the branches in their areas,” Bishop Pitkin remarked during the opening ceremony of the well-attended event.

Deputy mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, who also congratulated the organisers, added that efforts to include youths in agriculture are commendable.

“Commendations to the Jamaica Agricultural Society for its massive contribution to the development of agriculture over the years in Jamaica and for consistently facilitating the progress of our farmers. I must single out the St James branch of the association for promoting the hard work of our young farmers in the western region, giving them an opportunity to showcase their produce while accessing a concentrated market. I must also recognise the initiatives designed to encourage the youth to get involved in the development of the sector,” Vernon stated.

President of the St James Association of Branch Society, Glendon Harris, who lauded his team members and sponsors for the successful organisation of the show, also invited more people into farming.

“The farmers of western Jamaica are ready and raring to go into further agricultural activities. We want to encourage everyone. That is why we made special emphasis this year to ensure that you can buy your seedlings,” Harris cited.