Plans for 2009 farmers week in full swing

~~Adz:Left~~ Roadtown, Tortola - Plans are well underway for the 2009 Farmers’ Week exhibition which will be observed in the Territory from February 6 –13 under the theme, “Self-Sufficiency through Technology.”

Chief Agricultural Officer Mr. Bevin Brathwaite outlined the desired outcome for the department’s upcoming celebrations.

“What we would like to see stemming from this week of activities is a heightened awareness and interest demonstrated by the younger generation so we can retain more of those persons in the agricultural sector,” said Mr. Brathwaite.

The objectives of Farmers’ Week are to highlight the work of the Territory’s farmers, encourage farmers to produce more agricultural products and promote agriculture Territory-wide.  During the week, farmers’ produce, crops, livestock and handicraft will be on display and judged in various categories for which prizes will be awarded.

The week’s activities will be declared open by Minister of Natural Resources and Labour, with responsibility for agriculture, Hon. Omar W. Hodge, at an official opening ceremony on Friday, February 6 at 1:00 p.m. at the Paraquita Bay grounds.  Following this, the grounds will be available for official tours, food displays, exhibits and the showcasing of a cultural village and entertainment by various artistes. 

This year the department is specifically trying to make the week a family fun event with activities for both the young and old. On Sunday, February 8, the day will start off with a Sunrise Breakfast Church Service under the tent on the grounds of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. 

The afternoon will feature an entertainment line-up which includes the BVI Heritage Dancers and the BVI Grasshoppers.  Soap box races, donkey races, a soccer match and a “grease-pig” competition are other scheduled events for the afternoon period.

Exhibitions will be staged on the sister islands of Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on the Monday, Tuesday and Thursday respectively.

The week’s activities conclude with a grand food fair and closing ceremony on Friday, February 13 at the Palm Grove Park.   As a lead up to Farmer’s week, the department has embarked on a number of activities including a Heart Healthy Walk held on Saturday in collaboration with the Minister for Health and Social Development, visits to the Territory’s primary schools as part of their education awareness programme and church services attendance throughout the Territory for the month of January.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour through its Department of Agriculture focuses on the sustainable development of the agricultural industry in the Territory.  Farmers’ Week is celebrated with the aim of heightening public awareness of the importance of agriculture to the Territory.