The island’s largest agricultural exhibit, Agrofest, and in particular the livestock competition component, is in dire need of a financial boost, says president of the Barbados Sheep and Goat Farmers Association Rommel Parris.In fact, he has called on Government, which he accused of putting “petty cash” into the event, to increase its contribution by 500 per cent.Parris claimed that insufficient monetary support from Government and at least two major agricultural organisations have resulted in a substantial decline in the quality of Blackbelly sheep being presented for judging at the annual event held in Queen’s Park, St Michael.He said the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) could only afford to give the farmer(s) with the best Blackbelly ram and ewe a cash prize of less than $1 000, which was more than unsatisfactory for the indigenous animal that is considered to be one of the best sheep breeds in the world.
