Major changes coming for Hanover agri show

Major changes are coming for this year’s sixth staging of the Hanover Agricultural Show, which will be held at the Lord’s Playfield in Lucea, instead of at Bioprist as in former years.

Kameil Scott, parish manager for the Hanover Association of Branch Societies of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), told The Gleaner that the organising committee

decided on a number of changes aimed at drawing more patrons to the show and, in particular, farmers and young people.

“We want more traction. We want more people to come out. So this year also, instead of charging at the gate, we are going to be opening it for free,” Scott disclosed, for the show which is set for May 24.

By taking the show to a more central location and scrapping the entrance fee, the organising committee believes the attendance numbers will be driven up. However, the committee is going even further to attract more patrons.

A gospel segment has been added to the entertainment package which has always been very popular and which provides local acts an opportunity to showcase their talent. “We are going to mix it with some gospel (music) which we have never had before,” the parish manager explained.

Over the years, Corporate Jamaica has given strong support to the show but farmers in the parish are yet to fully utilise the opportunities for accessing innovation and technology which are provided. An effort will be made to get farmers to interact with the providers of goods and services, in order to scale up their operations with the aim of achieving greater production and productivity.

Scott also wants to see a greater showcasing of the many local dishes, fruit juices, jams and jellies by the women in the parish, highlighting the unique tastes of Hanover.

“There are so many areas in which our people have shown that they can tun dem han’ and mek fashion, and we really want them to come out strong this year and share with the wider public some of the things that they have been enjoying in their homes for many years. We want to take Hanover to the wider Jamaica, so that when patrons come to the show they go away with a taste of and thirst for things Hanover.”

Gates will open at 8:00 o’clock and features will include Farmers’ Market, the Farm Queen Competition, the Social Development Commission’s Economic Initiative Village, Educational Village, Kiddies Village, Live Entertainment – Featuring the Get a Buss Segment for local acts as well as various spot prizes and giveaway throughout the day.

As usual, the show will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, and will also have the support of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, the JAS and the Jamaica 4-H Clubs.