The BVI is
hosting Farmers' Week 2012 from February 10 - 17, 2012.
The Government of
the British Virgin Islands supports the
agricultural industry and the major event that showcases the fruits of the
industry is Farmers' Week. This year, 2012, marks twenty years of the Ministry
of Natural Resources and Labour and the Department of Agriculture hosting the
Farmers' Week event.
Farmers' Week
While Farmers' Week
started in 1992, the Department of Agriculture always held Agricultural Exhibitions
in Paraquita Bay in Tortola since the early 1960s. Many older Virgin Islanders
can share information about the grand displays of crops, livestock, preserves
and handicrafts at the past exhibitions and current Farmers' Week. Since the
celebration was changed from a two-day exhibition to a weeklong celebration,
the activities extended past Tortola to the other big islands in the BVI. Since
1992, Farmers' Week was extended to Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Virgin Gorda. In
addition, the date for Farmers' Week was set to start from the first Friday of
February and concluding on the following Friday.
Culture
of Farmers' Week
The intent of Farmers' Week is to promote all
aspects of agriculture in a fun and cultural setting while showcasing the best
agricultural displays. Farmers are encouraged to include their crops and
livestock in the
various competitions. The farms are judged through field judging where the
judges visit the sites and score based on various criteria. There is also
on-site judging where produce, livestock, handicrafts and preserves are brought
to the Department for judging and then display during the festivities.
The coveted prizes include Best Livestock Farmer, Best Mixed Farmer, Best
Poultry Farmer and several others.
Days
of Farmers' Week
On the first
Friday, Farmers' Week begins with an opening ceremony in Tortola which includes
various diplomatic speeches and announcements of the Tortola winners and
overall Champion Farmer award. The day progresses with tours of the various inning entries on display and other cultural
entertainment. The events continue in Tortola on the Saturday with similar
activities. On the Sunday, there is an Ecumenical Service on Paraquita Bay in
the morning and then the cultural activities continue. On the Monday, Farmers'
Week continues in Anegada as the farmers on that island showcase what they have
to share agriculturally. Jost Van Dyke hosts its exhibition on Tuesday and then
on the Thursday, the events continue in Virgin Gorda. On the last day, the
second Friday, there is a grand Food Fair at the Noel Lloyd Action Movement
Park in Tortola where vendors sell local cuisine, delicacies and beverages.
Farmers'
Week 2012
Farmers' Week 2012 is being celebrated under
the theme "Celebrating 20 Years of BVI Culture Through Agriculture".
Due to scheduling constraints, the opening date was moved to the second Friday
of February, February 10, 2012. Preparations have been put in place so that
this twenty year celebration is one that is agriculturally significant and
enjoyable.
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