A new chapter in the rich legacy of the National Farm Queen Competition was officially unveiled, as the thirteen contestants vying for the national title were formally presented and sashed by their sponsors, at the Official Launch of the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show at HiPro Ace in White Marl, St. Catherine. 

Held under the theme, “Growing Forward: The Resilient Woman of the Soil” the ceremony marked the beginning of the contestants’ journey to the national stage and reflected a renewed vision for one of Jamaica’s most enduring agricultural institutions. 

For sixty years, the competition has celebrated the contribution, leadership, and excellence of young women in agriculture. Today, that legacy continues through a dynamic group of Parish Queens whose interests and expertise span crop and livestock production, value-added processing, agribusiness and agricultural advocacy. 

Representing diverse academic and professional backgrounds, this year’s contestants include women pursuing and holding qualifications in fields ranging from agriculture to logistics, business, international policy, law and several others across disciplines.

Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, Mr Derron Grant, described the competition as an important platform for developing ambassadors who can inspire greater appreciation for agriculture and its role in national development.

The ceremony also featured the official endorsement of the contestants by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining,  Floyd Green, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower women and encourage greater participation in the sector. 

“Their varied backgrounds and achievements demonstrate that agriculture extends far beyond the farm gate and offers tremendous opportunities for those willing to embrace them. It is encouraging to see so many bright, talented and forward-thinking women recognising that potential and positioning themselves to lead the future of the sector,” Minister Green stated. 

As each contestant was ceremonially sashed by her sponsor, the moment symbolised a shared investment in the future of Jamaica’s agriculture and the women who continue to shape it. The Parish Queens will compete for the Diamond Jubilee National Farm Queen crown on July 31, 2026, at the Denbigh Showground in Clarendon.