

Head organiser, the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), has cancelled the 70th Denbigh show, citing the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, which dealt a major blow to farmers island-wide.
The JAS and Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will instead focus efforts on assisting farmers to recover from damages caused by Beryl.
The Denbigh Agricultural Industrial and Food Show is the Caribbean’s largest agricultural exposition. Annually, the event features over 100 exhibitors, 70 acres of space, and seminars to explore innovative agricultural projects.

The Denbigh showgrounds reported numerous poles down, broken lines, and damaged trees. Reconstruction estimates continue to swell in the millions to effect repairs.
JAS president Lenworth Fulton told the Jamaica Observer that government assistance is needed to restore buildings, as some parishes have collected millions in rent but haven’t paid the JAS. The system is struggling to collect and find the necessary funds to repair structures and assist farmers.
Fulton was advised to cancel a presentation by the permanent secretary and agriculture minister and will discuss the decision at a board meeting next Wednesday (July 17).
Usually, the show would be held annually from August 4 -6 not only as an agricultural expo, but as a family-friendly experience where Jamaicans could visit different booths, learn about various animals and likestock, and try different foods from across the island.
Its cancellation has come as a disappointment to farmers, businesses, vendors and regulars alike.
“It’s sad… I was looking forward to going,” one Denbigh Expo patron told Our Today. “I go yearly not only as a photographer but to have fun, interacting with the local farmers and learning how they innovate with the times… witnessing how large companies partner with the smaller ones to make them better is always good.”
“Instead of cancelling it altogether, I believe a fundraiser to support the farmers would make more sense,” he continued.
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