New generation of Farm Queens unveiled for Diamond Jubilee competition
Key Points(5)
- The next generation of Jamaica’s agricultural ambassadors has officially stepped into the spotlight, as thirteen Parish Queens were formally unveiled and sashed during the official launch of the 2026 Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show on Thursday.
- Held at HiPro Ace in White Marl, St.
- Catherine, the ceremony marked the beginning of the contestants’ journey toward the coveted National Farm Queen title and signaled the start of a new chapter in one of Jamaica’s longest-running agricultural traditions.
- This year’s competition is particularly significant as it forms part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the National Farm Queen Competition, which has spent six decades highlighting the achievements, leadership, and contributions of women within Jamaica’s agricultural sector.
- Under the theme “Growing Forward: The Resilient Woman of the Soil,” the unveiling showcased a dynamic group of young women whose involvement in agriculture extends well beyond traditional farming.
The next generation of Jamaica’s agricultural ambassadors has officially stepped into the spotlight, as thirteen Parish Queens were formally unveiled and sashed during the official launch of the 2026 Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show on Thursday.
Held at HiPro Ace in White Marl, St. Catherine, the ceremony marked the beginning of the contestants’ journey toward the coveted National Farm Queen title and signaled the start of a new chapter in one of Jamaica’s longest-running agricultural traditions.
This year’s competition is particularly significant as it forms part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the National Farm Queen Competition, which has spent six decades highlighting the achievements, leadership, and contributions of women within Jamaica’s agricultural sector.
Under the theme “Growing Forward: The Resilient Woman of the Soil,” the unveiling showcased a dynamic group of young women whose involvement in agriculture extends well beyond traditional farming. The contestants represent a diverse cross-section of Jamaica’s agricultural landscape, with interests and expertise spanning crop and livestock production, agribusiness, value-added processing, and agricultural advocacy.
Adding to the competition’s evolving profile is the varied academic and professional backgrounds of the contestants. Among the group are women pursuing and holding qualifications in agriculture, logistics, business, law, international policy, and several other disciplines, reflecting the increasingly multifaceted nature of the industry.
Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Derron Grant, emphasized the importance of the competition in cultivating leaders who can champion the agricultural sector and inspire future generations.
“The National Farm Queen Competition continues to be an important platform for developing ambassadors who can help build greater appreciation for agriculture and its contribution to national development,” Grant noted.
The contestants also received the official endorsement of Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to initiatives that empower women and encourage greater participation in agriculture.
“Their varied backgrounds and achievements demonstrate that agriculture extends far beyond the farm gate and offers tremendous opportunities for those willing to embrace them,” Green said. “It is encouraging to see so many bright, talented, and forward-thinking women recognizing that potential and positioning themselves to lead the future of the sector.”
One of the most symbolic moments of the launch came as each Parish Queen was ceremonially sashed by her sponsor, representing not only individual support but also a collective investment in the future of Jamaican agriculture and the women helping to shape its next chapter.
As excitement builds toward the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show, the contestants will spend the coming weeks participating in a series of activities and preparations leading up to the final competition.
The winner of the Diamond Jubilee National Farm Queen Competition will be crowned on July 31, 2026, at the Denbigh Showground in Clarendon, where one contestant will earn the distinction of carrying forward a legacy that has celebrated the strength, resilience, and innovation of Jamaican women in agriculture for the past 60 years.
