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 winning 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.
Linette Rabsatt - I am an enthusiastic writer who has been writing on various topics for over three years for online and print publications.
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