School children purchasing fruits??at Agrofest 2010 (Image: C.??Pitt/BGIS)????
One budding agriculturalist now has the tools to further his craft as the lucky winner of the Agrofest Minister’s prize.
Business consultant, Steve Reid, took home a 450 gallon water tank, pressure valve, fittings and a drip facility, valued at approximately $2,500 after Minister of Agriculture, Senator Haynesley Benn, drew his name at the recently concluded Agrofest.
The crops and kitchen garden enthusiast said: "When I went to Agrofest I decided to participate in a questionnaire.?? It involved going to the various agricultural booths and answering a number of questions.?? Which I apparently did correctly.??
However, when I found out that the Minister drew my name I was pleasantly surprised as I never expected it.?? It was simply the luck of the draw really."
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Michael King, who presented Mr. Reid with his prize, emphasised the importance of water conservation especially during a drought and to a water scarce country like Barbados. "I am sure this equipment would be put to good use as the Ministry wanted to provide apparatus that would not only be practical but also aid in production and development as well," he explained.
The Agrofest Minister’s prize is now in its third year.