Four local companies showcased their products at the 38th Agriculture and Food Fair held in St Croix recently.

The exhibition was hosted by the Agriculture and Food Fair Board of the US Virgin Islands under the theme “Agriculture: The Future-Yours and Mine,” a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

The fair was said to be “an agricultural extravaganza with major exhibits, a farmers’ market, craft vendors, dazzling agrifest fashion show, daily demonstrations and food from around the Caribbean.” Leather and wooden craft, pepper sauce, kitchen utensils and gold and silver jewellery from Guyana were exhibited from Leather Land International, NCS Indigenous Products, RT Imports and Exports and Skippers Jewellery.

According to GINA participants said that they were somewhat apprehensive about going to St Croix because of the financial crisis in the United States, but nevertheless the show was good.  Christopher Parris from Leather Land International said he sold about 70% of his products while Neil Stephenson said that his pepper sauce and casareep sold like “hot cakes.”

Other participants said they were able to make contacts that will boost their businesses. Participants from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Puerto Rico, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Tortola also attended the fair.

GINA said local businesses have been able to showcase their products at a number of fairs and exhibitions in the Caribbean with assistance from the Guyana Office for Investment.

The fair was held on the grounds of the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex, St Croix.