Bigger, better and more innovative!

This is what Barbadians can expect for next year’s Agro-fest showcase slated to come off from February 27 to March 1 under the theme “Agro-fest…going green”.

Word of this has come from Coordinator of the event, Theodore Fraser, who says preparations are well under way for the national agricultural exhibition, which is now in its fifth year.

Over 130 exhibitors will be targetted for the expo to provide varied displays including: livestock; fruit and vegetables; plants & flowers; toys; arts & craft; hydroponics demonstrations; video presentations; games & entertainment; health and wellness; and cooking demonstrations.

“Plans are currently well on stream and indications are that we will have a much larger exhibition than we have had in previous years.  So, we expect to have a larger number of exhibits, quite a few very exciting and a must see! ” he underlined.

Key among the additions for next year, according to Mr. Fraser, will be an inaugural Agro-fest week of activities slated to run from February 8 to 14. It will feature complementary events which organisers were hard-pressed to fit into the weekend staging.

“We are pleased with what we have achieved with the exhibition, and so we want to do a bit more rather than just have the weekend.  During the week, we are proposing to have a symposium as well as a number of seminars focusing on topics including bio- digestion, agriculture and the environment in synergy, and green technology and green ideas, among other related issues.  We will also have the judging of pre-exhibition events such as the Schools and Householders’ Kitchen Garden Competitions, the Milking Cow Competition and the Craft Competition,” he explained.

In an effort to improve the quality of livestock displayed at the exhibition, and in keeping with the event’s developmental thrust, the Agro-fest spokesman said a seminar/ workshop for farmers involved in that particular competition would also be staged prior to the actual competition.

“We are hoping to upgrade livestock presentations during Agro-fest.  Every year we try to find ways to improve the show (competition) and to foster greater professionalism,” he noted.

Agro-fest commenced in 2005, and by the following year it attracted just over 30,000 patrons. In 2007, just under 40,000 patrons passed through its doors and approximately 40,000 attended the showcase this year.

If positive reviews by patrons, exhibitors and sponsors are any indication, next year’s extravaganza should attract even greater participation; an experience which organisers are looking forward to and prepared for.

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