Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Donnette Skervin, national farm queen gives a cultural item at the Jamaica Agricultural Society and the Ministry of Agriculture in association with Jamaica Broilers Group Ltd launch of the 2008 Denbigh Agricultural Show at the ACE Super Centre, White Marl, St Catherine. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Spanish Town, St Catherine:

Persons displaying their produce at the 56th staging of the Denbigh Agricultural Show will not have to compete with foreign products.

According to Minister of Agriculture, Dr Christopher Tufton, the aim of the show this year is to showcase the excellence of the local farming community, and persons who usually display foreign produce won't be able to do so, as there will be food police going around to ensure that the wishes of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) are adhered to.

"This year, even the area where jerks are being done will be properly monitored, it will not operate as a bend-down plaza, but a well-organised area where persons can go to see the best of Jamaican produce," said Tufton.

The agriculture minister also said there would be displays from resource persons to help farmers on how best to keep their businesses alive.

Hypro gift certificates

One of the biggest draws of Denbigh this year will be $1 million worth of gift certificates from Hypro for the champion livestock farmer.

In keeping with the 'grow what you eat, eat what you grow' slogan, Digicel will be offering a $12-million three-year sponsorship from 2008 to 2011.

Other groups such as Jamaica Broilers promised to continue supporting the Denbigh Agricultural Show as it forms the best of Jamaica where farming is concerned.

$33.4 million to run

The show, which coincides with the 113th anniversary celebrations of the JAS, will cost $33.4 million to run. The Government of Jamaica has provided $5 million.

During the launch, several media houses, including The Gleaner, also received awards for their support of the show, which will be held from Emancipation Day, August 1 through Independence. Aside from the show of agricultural produce, patrons will be entertained by the top ten finalists in the Digicel Rising Stars competition, while other participants will also have entertainment productions as their way of showcasing their products.