Make sure you stop by the Burgess’ Booth, ‘AgroFest21’ to see and sample rare and popular fruits. There will also unforgettable images of Agro Fest over the years and more.
Suga hopes to see you soon!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The Ministry of Tourism is hosting Christmas in July from 11am-6pm TODAY at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Check out locally made gift items that will be on display.
No sales will be made today but be sure to get contact information and order your gifts.
Be sure to check out the buzzing new crochet line, Eli’s Knits and Knots specializing in cosy hats, clothes, stuffed animals and dolls, blankets and more for the young ones!
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed AgroFest last Saturday. There was no rain on the day and the night before got rain so the grounds of Jamaica College were not dusty or too muddy either. It was more organized this year and had a lot more local vendors and organizations participating. It is hard to highlight booths as everyone showed great effort in their presentations and what they had to offer. However, some still managed to stand out above the rest.
The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) had plants, honey and more.
A booth had a Tissue Culture display for Irish potatoes and Ginger.
Gavin Hill had the greatest variety of animals. He had a cursing Parrot, Turkey, Rabbits, Hamsters and Birds.
Gavin Hill’s booth
Other farmers from Kingston & St. Andrew had Goats, Sheep and Rabbits as well.
It was thus fitting to have NutraMix and Hi-Pro there, suppliers of animal feed.
R: Suga with a Prize-winning Ram Goat
Jamaica 4-H Clubs, who were celebrating their 75th anniversary had Fruits, Eggs and Vegetables for sale.
The College of Agriculture, Science and Education had an Aquaculture display, Jellies, Chutney, Sauces, Vegetables, you name it.
AG Chem Plant Ltd. had Pesticides and Fertilizers suitable for farming and other needs.
The Jamaica Dairy Development Board is back in full swing. They have been training 200 farmers the art and science of dairy cattle husbandry to make an increase in dairy production and make it sustainable by increasing the dairy cattle population.
They ensure Herd recording, Herd management decisions and genetic evaluations.
They have been supporting the improvememt of institutions such as CASE and Ebony Park HEART Acadamy and others.
T. Geddes Grant Distributors Ltd. had their booth showing that they are suppliers of total Agricultural requirements to farmers and gardeners. They supply Herbicides, Feed, Farming tools and more.
The Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division as well as the National Irrigation Commission Ltd. had lovely 3-D models.
The WUSC Caribbean’s PROPEL (Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages) were represented. Their Canadian Project ensures safe, effective and efficient movement of produce from the farm to high value markets such as hotels, restaurants etc. Crops supported in this project include Greenhouse vegetables, Onions, Ginger, Irish Potato, Sweet Yams and Sweet Potatoes.
The Cottage Farmers won Best Display Booth but Suga didn’t find them t o be that impressive. They are usually low in the standings so kudos to them for making a big improvement this year.
Jack’s Hill Community did not compete this year but the Burgesses, well known in the community had an AgroFest 20th Booth displaying Programmes of the Past, lots of pictures with vivid AgroFest memories, Liqueurs, Wines, Mrs B’s Honey, Jelly, Bammy, Rabbits and more.
I must also mention the unique fruits they had that persons did not have to buy but could come by and sample such as Black Sapote, Jaboticaba, Pink Grapefruit, Suriname and Caribbean Cherry and Clementine. Who knew Cherries could be spicy? Naseberries and Ripe Banana were also there. Other booths had fruits as well including Melons, Pineapples, Otaheite Apples and more.
Mrs. Veronica Burgess of Jack’s Hill Community receiving her well deserved plaque of recognition and appreciation from Custos of Kingston, Steadman Fuller
Mr. Paul and Mrs. Veronica Burgess were recognised with plaques showing appreciation for 20 years of Support and Committed Partnership to the staging of AgroFest.
Jewellery, Pots, Clutch purses and Art booths were present as well. Certainly not a part of agriculture but definitely a part of Brand Jamaica, as the products were all locally made.
Top L-R: Claud Hoilett speaking with patron and Suga Bear, Kimberly Nesbeth. His pots depict the theme, ‘The Art of Clay is What You Can Imagine’
The winner of the Farm Queen Competition was announced too late, a bit after 7pm when it was quite dark surrounding the stage. AgroFest was advertised to be from 8am to 8pm. So they need to work on the lighting next year or finish all entertainmrnt within a certain time, because all the booths were pulled down by that time as well.
With that aside it was a lovely day. I enjoyed fresh coconut water, Jamaican food from Martin’s Jerk and Catering and my Guava slush. I also saw that the kids enjoyed the rides, bounce-a-bout, animals, clowns and balloons.
Christian Dawes-Fearon enjoying his balloon and painted face mask
Most importantly, I thoroughly enjoyed the Performance of the Breadfruit dance. How could you have AgroFest and not ‘do di dance’?!
Happy AgroFest 20th!
L-R: Exec. Director of RADA, Lenworth Fulton, President of JAS, Senator Norman Grant, Mrs Veronica Burgess of Jack’s Hill Community, Custos of Kingston, Steadman Fuller and National Farm Queen 2015-2016, Peta-Gaye Stewart of St. Mary
South Beach Cafe was buzzing with activity last Friday night. New Kingston Rotaract Club (NKRC) definitely achieved their goal of having businesses and talents of young Professionals and Entrepreneurs attractively showcased, also providing the opportunity for networking and learning in a relaxed environment.
All booths seemed to have received positive support from attendees and definitely had impressive presentations.
Some of the Businesses showcased included:
â— Envi i Designs – Hand crafted Jamaican Jewellery for bold, Afro-centric Clientele
â— Haiku Health and Beauty Services – Facials and Massage Therapy
â— GW Art – Paintings suitable for Decor of homes, cafes, offices and hotels
â— Pop-Up Gourmet Jamaica – Offers an Advantage Card to get Discounts at your favourite Restaurants and Bars
â— Splash by Sash – Trendy and Sexy Swimwear
â— BOK – Showcasing the BEST businesses in Kingston
â— Headbands by Trudi
â— Tou-Khan Naturals – Natural products for Hair and Skin
â— Project Management Global Institute – Aids in advancing your Project Management Skills
Sangster’s Rum Cream also had some tantalizing samples being circulated to enhance the buzzing activity.
Kudos to the sponsors, VMBS, PMGI, Mayberry Investment and BBO Jamaica and of course, Professional Development Director, Kimberley Ann Lindo and her team for a well planned, organized and executed event!
The WUSC Caribbean’s PROPEL (Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages) were represented. Their Canadian Project ensures safe, effective and efficient movement of produce from the farm to high value markets such as hotels, restaurants etc. Crops supported in this project include Greenhouse vegetables, Onions, Ginger, Irish Potato, Sweet Yams and Sweet Potatoes.
