On September 4, 1984, The Fiji Times published an article about how the organisers were confident the Agriculture Show, namely Expo 84, would be successful by following a particular blend or formula.
This included blending commercial, social and technological displays. The article said through this, it would clearly reflect the support the expo committee had received from commercial organisations locally and overseas.
The first expo in Fiji was held a year earlier at the Fiji College of Agriculture grounds and was designed for cattle farmers in the Central Division, which was created to encourage more interest from other divisions of the agricultural industry.
The article said Expo 84 had expanded the theme created in previous years, which emphasised rice as the key commodity while also trying to reflect on the importance of rice to consumers in Fiji.
The centerpiece of the technological displays would feature improved techniques recommended by the department of agriculture to increase local production, said Peter Saville who was the chairman of the organising committee.
It was reported several commercial displays would also feature equipment for the cultivation of rice. There were plans to have displays from the agricultural department that were guaranteed to attract the attention of those involved in livestock.
A wide range of breeding bulls were on show for farmers to have a look at. The article read that large commercial displays were designed to allow farmers to have access to the products available, which would make farm cultivation easier.
It added that a chainsaw competition would evaluate the farmers’ skills. School students considering a career in agriculture would be further encouraged by attending the expo, said Peter Saville, chairman of the Expo 84 organising committee.
“The organisers of Expo 84 feel confident that Wednesday, September 5, will prove to be a memorable day for everyone, a day to guarantee the place for the expo in the agricultural calendar in years to come.”
