THE Regional Administration of Region 6 on Saturday last pulled off its inaugural Regional Agriculture and Commerce Expo (RACE), held under the theme “Maximizing the Potential and Productivity of Our Immense Agriculture Diversity”, and based on the response the organisers have already committed to making the event an annual one.

Held at the Albion Sports Complex Ground there were over 40 booths displaying a variety of fresh local produce, arts and craft, livestock, as well as other agricultural products and services. While not gathering a massive crowd as that of the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair, the exhibitors and patrons alike were very pleased with the event.

“We are very pleased because everyone that came to our booth were surprised that these items are made and packaged right here in Berbice. We gave samples for them to try at home so they will now start looking for them on the shelves” one exhibitor said.

Regional Chairman David Armogan said he felt joy and a sense of encouragement having viewed the various booths, and called on the producers to make use of the opportunity to expand production so that they can tap into the international market. He noted that in the areas of non-traditional crops there are massive opportunities, especially given that the quality that is produced locally is equal and even superior to those that are imported.

He also used the opportunity to call on the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant agencies, to look into the opening of new lands for dairy production as well as farming, since those that are available are already occupied. He, however, stressed the need for access to and from the lands as that would have a bearing on the cost of production.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Kim Stephens-Williams said the event is in keeping with the government’s vision to showcase and promote local business.  She noted that through RACE the producers have an opportunity, not only to promote and grow their business, but also to learn from others how to better market their products and services to maximise on profits.

Patrons who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle, have expressed some level of surprise at the quality and packaging of the products and have pledged to start supporting more local producers.

“I am very impressed with the quality of the products, they are fresh and prices are reasonable, I am a tea lover and I am very happy to see the varieties of tea being sold here, especially the ‘Tissame’ tea, the packaging is good and I am definitely leaving here with a few packs,” one patron said.

The younger children were fascinated by the University of Guyana’s booth that had on display an insect collection, as well as a few preserved reptiles. Another interesting booth for the youngsters was the`Honey’ booth that had a hive with live bees. Several persons spent a long time trying to identify the Queen Bee, but gave up eventually and settled for a few bottles of pure honey instead.

Many persons were seen leaving the venue with plants and other products, while others collected literature from the Small Business Bureau and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) which both provided guidelines and standards on the setting up of a small business.