MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands Government exhibiting at July Royal Show in Stoneleigh

The Falkland Islands Government will be exhibiting at the Royal Show at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire from 1 — 4 July. In the 25th anniversary of the South Atlantic conflict visitors to the show will be able to find out how the Falklands has developed since 1982 into a dynamic UK Overseas Territory which is diversifying its rural economy to achieve sustainable development.

A colourful new exhibition stand will feature information and photography highlighting developments in the Islands' agriculture, fisheries and tourism industries. A plasma TV screen will show DVDs and beautiful images of the Falklands. The stand will be located in the International Village and will be manned by Falkland Islands Government UK Representative Miss Sukey Cameron MBE and a farmer from West Falkland, Councillor Ian Hansen, whose portfolio includes responsibility for agricultural matters. They will be joined by Henry Boughton, a farmer from Gloucestershire with close links to the Falkland. Sheep farming remains the major form of land use (1.140.500 hectares) across the Falkland Islands with an estimated 560,000 sheep and 5,000 cattle. There are 88 farms, most of which are run as family units with an average size of 10,000 hectares running 6,400 sheep. Councillor Hansen is a farmer and in his 17,000 acres settlement the family breeds 5,000 sheep, 70 head of cattle and Miniature Horses. "We are delighted to be exhibiting at this year's Royal Show as we reflect on the sacrifices made twenty five years ago and show our gratitude by looking ahead to the future. Ian and Henry have an impressive combined knowledge of Falklands' farming practices and changes taking place in the Islands", said Sukey Cameron. The Islands Department of Agriculture (DoA) is committed to fostering a viable and internationally competitive agricultural industry. While 25 years ago the export of wool provided the mainstay of the Falklands economy, today traditional sheep farmers are involved in the development of a meat export industry and are embracing diversification initiatives in order to sustain their profitability. Since 1982, the Falkland Islands has become economically self-sufficient in all areas except defence. Fishing, agriculture and tourism are the backbone of the Falklands economy.