5 March 2002

U.S. Ambassador and Agricultural Attache Honor Participants in 2002 National Agricultural Fair

SANTO DOMINGO – The United States Ambassador, Hans H. Hertell, and Mr. Kevin Smith, Agricultural Attaché of the diplomatic mission, honored the participants of the 2002 National Agricultural Fair, the most important agricultural event in the Dominican Republic, with a reception in the Embassy´s residence on Tuesday, March 5^th. Addressing those attending, Ambassador Hans H. Hertell praised the organization of the fair by the National Cattlemen´s Foundation, adding: “We feel especially pleased that some highly bred animals exhibited in the fair come from the United States, and are helping to improve the quality of the cattle sector.” The best of genetics in cattle breeding from the United States is being used to produce beef cattle, milk cattle, horses, poultry, and pork in this country.

The 2002 National Agricultural Fair is held in the National Fairgrounds, located on Ave. George Washington, from March 2^nd to 10^th, under the sponsorship of the National Cattlemen´s Foundation. The fair has been held over the last 26 years, creating great interest in the public due to its colorful nature and informative exhibitions.

Prior to this event, groups of Dominican cattlemen visit exhibitions in the United States such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo or the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, to buy animals for the Dominican competition. Cattlemen and other professionals in the sector both in the United States and from Canada visit the fair and participate as international judges. Competition include classes for the most important breeds of cattle such as Holstein, Brahman, Brown Swiss, Jersey, and local crosses; horses such as Paso Fino, Quarter Horse, and Appalossa; donkeys and mules; different breeds of pigs, sheep, goats, dogs, and rabbits. Exhibitions of agricultural products are also offered, as well as food booths, popular shows, and rodeos.

For more than ten years, the United States Embassy has had the pleasure of offering receptions in honor of the fair´s participants. This year, for the third time the Office of Agricultural Affairs of the United States Embassy has a cubicle in the fair where the public can find information about the various types of breeds which are raised in the country, and feeding programs. The visitors can also obtain information about how to contact any supplier of live animals, and agricultural or food products whom he wishes to contact.

Several entities which normally cooperate with the office of Agricultural Affairs such as the American Association of Soy Producers, the Brahman Breeders Association, the United States Federation of Meat Exporters, and others have expressed their interest in supporting the participation of this office, and have sent technical and promotional material for the fair.

The reception was attended by distinguished personages and governmental figures and others from the private agricultural sector, as well as international judges and the Queen of the Fair, Miss Cheryl Victoria.