Bigger, better Denbigh - Opening days gets high marks
Published:Saturday | August 5, 2017 | 12:00 AMJodi-Ann Gillpin
The opening day of the 65th annual Denbigh Agricultural Show in Clarendon received strong initial reviews, with some farmers who participated pointing to the improvement in the variety and quality of produce they have been able to showcase.
But the farmers expressed concern whether this improvement will result in greater sales over today and tomorrow.
Cedrick Houssey, a farmer from Lawrence Tavern, St Andrew, told our news team that he expects that sales will pick up over the rest of the show.
"I wouldn't say it's great, things are still picking up. My fruits are bigger than last year, for sure. They were so small we had to cut the price really low," said Houssey.
"We also hope that we no get no storm, because last year while we making money we had to pack up and go home because a storm was out. This year, though, we hope to see some improvement," added Houssey.
Fender Henry, another farmer, who has his property in Blue Mountain, St Andrew, expressed similar sentiments, indicating that he is looking forward to the proceedings in the coming days.
Norman Grant, president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, pointed to the challenges he had in hosting the show but argued that the annual show had enjoyed a great start.
According to Grant, things are in the pipeline for the event, including listing Denbigh on the Junior Stock Exchange.
"We are expecting that this will garner some $500 million, which will expand the product. We have also been in discussion with the diaspora and the intention is to take Denbigh to London and the United States. We are moving to showcase Denbigh as a global product," said Grant.