For a second year, Cayman’s Annual Agriculture Show has been cancelled due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19. Not only has COVID been the reason that the show has been canceled this year. But also because of the loss that farmers suffered due to Tropical Storm Grace.
The show usually takes place on Ash Wednesday of every year. It has proven to attract thousands of visitors, allowing our local farmers to show and promote their products to be sold.
Combining these factors contributing to the show’s cancellation is a significant blow to the farming community. This is happening when people are starting to realize the importance of agriculture here on the island.
Minister Jay Ebanks (Agriculture Minister) has said he knows that the show being cancelled is unfortunate but understands why such measures had to be taken. He has spoken to several farmers whose primary focus is rehabilitating their farms. The government has been working these last few months to support farmers, and they are confident that they could be for the next show.
The government injected the largest one-time investment into the agricultural sector. The government did this through the Tropical Storm Grace Farmers’ Assistance Project. They have also provided grants to aid in getting the resources to strengthen recoil to boost our Islands’ food and nutrition security.
George Smith, the Cayman Islands Agricultural Society president, said that members are in agreeance with the event being cancelled. However, they have said that they will figure out ways to highlight the works of local farmers and their work throughout the year.
Within the next few weeks, 180 animals are expected to arrive on the island from the US, most of which are cattle and 30 goats. A contract was signed by the agricultural ministry to fund the importation of livestock. The government put forth 350,000 for the animals.
Mr. Ebanks stated, “With the new livestock development plan that has been put in place, the importation of the new animals aligns well with this plan. Reintroduction of embryo transplant, upgrading the insemination programme, and natural insemination. Herds and beef quality will improve, increasing production and enhancing the livestock sector’s local genetics. This is supported by the establishment of the National Livestock Identification Tracking System.
Over 90 farmers have received over $1.7 million through the Tropical Storm Grace Farmers Assistance Projects. This was to help those farmers who lost their live stocks, crops, and other things on their farms. The government put a total of $3 million into this project. It is the largest investment of its kind in the agricultural sector.
