For years the government has been trying to get Caymanian families to “grow what they eat and eat what they grow,” and from the looks of this year’s Agriculture Show, the concept has taken root.
Thousands of people descended on the Grounds on Wednesday to celebrate Cayman’s agriculture and arts. Ripe and juicy local fruits too numerous to mention, oversized cassava, yam roots and pumpkins, fresh organic vegetables, herbs, hefty bulls, porky pigs and even the local chickens were on display.
Caymanian artisans and crafts people displayed their best works;, livestock farmers showcased their prized animals, and there were cooking competitions, pony rides and live music.
Adrian Estwick, the government director of agriculture, was pleased.
“It’s good to see the crowd out,” he said, adding, “We were blessed as we got some early morning showers. There’s a lot to see.” In particular, he pointed out the agriculture booth, with its emphasis on food security.
But first, the opening ceremony, which featured a parade of flags by women on horseback and Governor Helen Kilpatrick marking the official start by ringing a cowbell.
“For 47 years this event has offered up entertaining snapshots of our most talented artisans, the best cooks, and the most beautiful babies,” said Kurt Tibbetts, the minister responsible for agriculture. “This is a day when the entire country celebrates the fruits and the labor of our agriculture sector. Farming is not really an easy life. Those who make their living this way, feel very passionately about the work they do and the role they play in the community …
“Today there are more mouths than we could possibly feed by far,” he said. “Building the capacity of our farming industry is a means to strengthen our country and to ensure food security,”
Mr. Tibbetts also stressed the importance of getting youth involved in agriculture.
“We need to sustain and nurture the interest of current and future generations in cultural activities. There are so many young people here today. I want to implore agriculture producers and parents alike to use this opportunity to cultivate the interest of our youth in agriculture,” he said.
The Agriculture Society and Agriculture Department, organizers of the show, appropriately named this year’s event the “International Year of Family Farming.”
Justin Wood, president of the Agriculture Society, said on behalf of the board that the farming community is comprised of proud, hardworking individuals.
“Most have grown up with a strong agricultural heritage, passed on from generation to generation. Although still a difficult profession, thanks to modern technology the current generation is making strides in agricultural production that could only be dreamed of a generation ago,” he said.
Organic farmer Joel Walton, a fixture at the weekly farmers markets, was among those who enjoyed the entire event.
“It is truly been a very good day for all of us,” he said. “We look forward to the day as it gives us an opportunity to interact with the wider community and share what we do with more persons than we normally see at the weekly market.
“Farming is certainly going in the right direction,” he said. “There is a lot more being produced locally and sold at the Market at the Grounds on Saturdays. People are also more selective than before, but we are trying to provide as much and the best we can.”
Mr. Walton’s stall consisted of local produce, plants, fruits, coconut water and a wide selection of herbs and exotic fruits.
Event highlights
The event honored entrants and contributors for their participation in the annual show, including Kent Rankin, who has claimed “Farmer of the Year” title for a number of years running.
Younger fair-goers enjoyed a K9 dog protection demonstration, a pig race, a tug of war, pony rides and a petting zoo, in addition to storytelling in the Children’s Play Area.
In the afternoon, budding chefs from the National Youth Culinary Program faced off against the Tourism Apprenticeship program participants as part of a “Chopped”-style competition.
There were also various live performances throughout the day, including the Pathfinders drill team, the Kri Dancers, the Cayman Marching Band, and a display by the Purple Dragon Karate School.
A local spectator and arts vendor at the grounds, Alta Bodden-Solomon said, “My favorite part is always the food,” adding that she has been visiting the show for many years and this year was particularly vibrant, with “lots to see.”
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