The St Mary Agri Expo continues to make a name for itself as a social event and as an agricultural showpiece, based on its latest showing on Easter Monday, April 21, 2014 at Gray’s Inn Sports Complex, Annotto Bay. This was the twenty-eighth anniversary staging of the Agri Expo. It was staged in association with Ministry of Agriculture and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Coconut Board and Jamaica Producers. Farmers from St Mary who had been anticipating this day, came out to promote and display their farm produce and Livestock under more than 60 booths. The variety was rich, ranging from horticulture, herbs, by products of pepper, coconut, tomato, banana and different types of crops to include banana, yam potatoes and farm animals including cattle and goats. Under the theme “Grow what we eat, eat what we grow”, the top booth award was given to Hi-Pro Ace and the runner up was Jamaica Producers. There was day long entertainment, including Children of the Drum ’s who performed African dances drawing the attention of the spectators to their unique dance routine. Other fun activities for children and adults included calf roping, rabbit catching, sack race, egg and spoon race.
The goat farmers were in a competition to see how well they had taken care of their goats. There were five contestants, the competition was judged by Derrick Vermont, who tested the goats’ health and strength. A goat belonging to E Bailey was awarded first place in the competition. Contestants from the Ms St Mary Farm Queen pageant were also at the event introducing themselves for the upcoming event. Distinguished guests at the Expo included Custos Jeffery McKitty, long time organizer of the event; MP and minister without portfolio Morais Guy, former chairman of JP, Prof Marshall Hall, MP Winston Green and Senator Norman Grant, president of the JAS. Mr. McKitty said “I wish every day was like this, where we could all come together and unite.” Mr. McKitty also congratulated all the farmers for their hard work. Port Maria Mayor, Levan Freeman said that he was glad to see the massive turn out of farmers and supporters. Mr Freeman said “the Agri Expo is to motivate other farmers to work hard and coming together is a good way of sharing different ideas toward improving the farming skills.” Special awards were given to Prof Marshall Hall and Jeffery McKitty for their contributing to agriculture.
