The Jamaica Ornamental Fish Farmers Association (JOFFA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands have joined forces to introduce Jamaica's first ornamental fish and aquatic exposition, scheduled for October 28 and 29 at Jamaica College in Kingston.

The National Ornamental Fish Expo (NOFE) will bring together hobbyists, operators of ornamental fish businesses, fish breeders, exporters, distributors of ornamental fish and aquatic supplies, loan providers, agencies relevant to the production and export of ornamental fish, students and members of the academic community who are involved in the study of aquatics, pet shop operators and other interests.

State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Victor Cummings, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of Minister Roger Clarke at the launch of the event, said his ministry has long recognised the vast potential of the ornamental fish sub-sector, not only for its export potential, but also for its sustainable income earning opportunity.

Minister Cummings pointed out that the local ornamental fish trade was worth an estimated US$1 million ($65 million) and said it had the potential for significant growth. He said that current data estimated the value of the ornamental fish trade worldwide at US$1 billion.