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Agrofest organisers will be working to forge closer links with the tourism sector as agricultural officials seek to expand the reach of the popular event.
This was disclosed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Barbados Agricultural society (BAS), James Paul, who was speaking at the Agrofest 2012 Awards Ceremony at the Dining Club, Newton, Christ Church, last Friday night.
This year’s exhibition saw several new sponsors come on aboard, with the Sanitation Services Authority and Divi Southwinds Beach Resort among those who contributed to the event.
Mr. Paul explained that with Divi Southwinds Beach Resort, the first hotel to sponsor Agrofest, this would be the direction the BAS would be exploring for future exhibitions.
"I expect that as we go forward with Agrofest that companies in the tourism sector will play a greater role in terms of being sponsors of the event and playing an integral role in its development. The fact that we have Divi Southwinds [Beach Resort] this year is an indication of where we intend to go. I believe that as we develop in future years, you will see us making a more significant impact, especially within the hotel and tourism sector," he said.
While acknowledging that it was a difficult year for the eight-year exhibition, the CEO vowed to have an even better programme for 2013, noting that organisers had some ideas which they would soon be "bringing to the public and stakeholders".
The ceremony saw farmers and other participants awarded in several categories including sheep, fruit and vegetable, kitchen garden, schools gardening, rabbits, goat, pigs, beef and dairy.