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Press Release
Falkland Islands Government Exhibiting at Royal Show
26 June 2007
In the 25th Anniversary year of the Falklands Conflict, the Falkland Islands Government will be exhibiting at the Royal Show at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire from 1 - 4 July. 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. Cllr Hansen's farm extends over 17,000 acres with 5,000 sheep, 70 head of cattle and his family breeds and sells Miniature Horses. They will be joined by Henry Boughton, a farmer from Gloucestershire with close links to the Falklands.
Sukey Cameron said: "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."
The 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.
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For more information, interviews and photography please contact: Katie Liddell or Abby Smith on 020 7287 0652 or email katie@keenepa.co.uk, or visit www.falklands.gov.fk, www.agriculture.gov.fk or www.falklands-meat.com.
Notes to Editors:
1. The Royal Show 2007 runs from Sunday 1 July to Tuesday 4 July at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. The Falkland Islands Stand will be in the International Area, Grid Ref. Q19, Stand No. INT-K-470.
2. Since 1982, the Falkland Islands has become one of the most modern, dynamic Overseas Territories of the United Kingdom, economically self-sufficient in all areas except defence. Fishing, agriculture and tourism are the backbone of the Falklands economy. For general information about the Islands visit: www.falklandislands.co.uk.
3. Sheep farming remains the major form of land use across the Falkland Islands. Farmland extends to approximately 1,140,500 hectares and carries approximately 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.
4. Falklands farming follows sound soil, water and energy conservation practices and value environmental quality. 73% of farms utilise wind power and there are no artificial water sources.
5. The disease free status of the Falklands is protected by robust importation controls. Food safety is paramount. Falkland Island sheep are grown without the use of hormonal growth promotants or insecticides.
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