Published On:Friday, January 27, 2012

AGRICULTURE minister Larry Cartwright announced the details of the 2012 Agri-business Expos yesterday.

At a press conference at the Ministry of Agriculture on Bay Street, Mr Cartwright said the expos will showcase the products, skills and expertise of the farming and fisheries industries. He said: "An important aspect of these events is the opportunity each individual Family Island or district is provided to show off its unique character.

"Because of different geography and geology, each Family Island offers comparative differences and distinctions."

This year's theme will be: Progressing Towards Food Security.

"It will be a reminder of our needs as well as our progress and determination to improve and grow the sector," he said.

According to Mr Cartwright, the ministry has been working constantly to ensure that its programmes and policies are consistent with the theme.

He said achievements of note include:

* the creation of marine protected areas;

* the institution of closed fishing seasons;

* the launch of a livestock embryo transfer programme;

* the enactment of the Animal Control and Protection Act.

The expos will begin in Nassau on March 1 and end on March 3.

In addition to New Providence, expos will be held in Eleuthera, North Andros, Long Island, Grand Bahama and San Salvador.

This year, organisers expect more than 20,000 people to visit the various sites. Last year, there were 15,000 visitors.