Under the theme 'Facing Global Challenges Through Agriculture' the local Department of Agriculture will present its annual Farmer's Week from March 2nd to 9th.
     Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer Mrs. Arona Fahie-Forbes, is optimistic about what will be achieved this year. “Since we were spared from hurricanes we are expecting to see huge bunches of bananas, avocados, and a host of vegetables and fruits', she said.
     Despite her optimism Mrs. Fahie-Forbes stopped short of making sweeping predictions about how 2002 would measure up to last year.
     In her words, 'There'll be some improvements this year I am sure, with God's help, but I will not boldly say we would surpass 2001. I'll say that we will probably meet the same standard.'
     'Farmers' Week is a week when we honour farmers and I will like to encourage everyone to support them and give the recognition they deserve', Mrs. Fahie-Forbes has stressed.
     
     
     
     The 2002-week begins with an official ceremony at 10:00 o'clock in the morning on Saturday 2nd March, with an award ceremony and official tours planned for that same day.
     The week continues on Sunday 3rd March with the Agricultural Exhibition on Tortola. Other attractions on that day include the annual Cook-Off competition, official tours and viewing of crops, and a cultural show.
     On Monday 4th March the Anegada Agricultural Exhibition will be staged, Jost Van Dyke Agricultural Exhibition takes place on March 5th, while Virgin Gorda will present its exhibition on Thursday 7th March.
     Wednesday March 6th will see open house at Paraquita Bay when school children will be given guided tours of the operations. They will also receive tours of selected farms in the territory.
     The annual Farmers' Week Food Fair is scheduled for Friday 8th March, with the week culminating on Saturday 9th March with Market Day and official closing ceremony.