After 2-year hiatus, Saipan Agricultural Fair returns with a bang

Tons of people of all ages and different backgrounds trooped to the Civic Center last Saturday for the 29th Saipan Agricultural Fair, an event the public missed out on for two years due to budget cuts.

The venue was transformed into a massive showcase of the best breeds of farm animals, vegetables, fruits, other crops and plants as well as a petting zoo for kids who got an up close look of rabbits, chickens, cows, pigs, goats, and even a tank of live tilapia.

Although the daylong festivities kicked off with an opening ceremony at 9am, Civic Center was already buzzing with activities as the judging of entries for the categories under the Plant and Animal Divisions as well as the 4-H Youth Division began as early as 6am.

Judges were composed of Eliceo Castro, George Moses, and Edgar Tudor for the Animal Division; Dr. Sharon Y. Hart, Dr. Ross Miller, and Margaret Tudela for the Plant Division; and Julie O. Manglona, Reyna M. Saures, and Diana Camacho for the 4-H Youth category.

Organized by the Saipan Agricultural Fair Association and Department of Lands and Natural Resources, the fair culminated the Semanan Lanchero or Farmers Week observance.

“This annual event brings our local community together and strongly supports a significant aspect of our local culture,” said Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos in his remarks.

He said the nearly three-decade tradition not only promotes fresh produce but also supports good nutrition and food sustainability as well as the value of hard work and dedication, entrepreneurship, and self-sufficiency.

“I wish to congratulate all the farmers and ranchers participating today. Thank you for keeping our longstanding tradition alive and well,” he added.

DLNR Secretary Arnold I. Palacios said the islands can no longer think of agriculture as an afterthought. “We must make a conscious commitment to put this industry in the forefront of our discussions in the community,” he said.

Ramon B. Camacho, president of the Saipan Sabalu Farmers Market Association, said the Commonwealth only has two major resources: its waters where people fish and its land, which they use for farming.

“These two resources must be protected,” said Camacho. “Farming is our culture and we need to continue this for the future generations.”

Other officials in attendance were Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan, Northern Marianas College’s Hart, and Mayor Roke B. Blas of Sinajana, Guam, all of whom commended the organizing committee for a successful event.

Saturday’s fairgoers had the chance to check out and even pet a variety of goats, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, hens, roosters, beef cattle, and swine. Dr. Allan Sabaldica of NMC Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service was also seen demonstrating to pig growers the proper way of castrating young pigs.

All kinds of produce grown and harvested on the island were also on display, including eggplants, mangoes, yam, tomatoes, avocados, and betel nuts.

The event also featured exhibitor booths set up by the Natural Resources Conservation Office – Saipan Field Office, NMC-CREES, Marianas High School farming class, and the CNMI Aquaculture Producers Association, among others.

The top three winners for the 4-H Youth Division were Jeremiah S. Camacho, first place with 96 points; Ricardo C. Ada, second place with 44 points; and Isidoro Cabrera III with 42 points. The overall winners, on the other hand, were Delia Camacho, first place; Gregorio Calvo, second place; and Santiago Tudela, third place.

The local performing group called Alright Band provided live entertainment, broadcast live via KKMP.

SAFA 2012 president Calistro I. Reyes said in an interview that the community was able to appreciate the event because it was well-planned and well-coordinated.

“Our main goal was to get all farmers and ranchers to come out and show the best of their products and livestock,” Reyes told Saipan Tribune. “They not only enrich their families but also help build and play an important role in the growth of our economy in the islands. We now look forward to next year’s fair.”