The Gozo Ministry’s Agricultural, Industrial and Cultural Society is holding the annual agriculture and trades exhibition at Villa Rundle garden in Victoria.

The exhibition has been held every year since the society was founded in 1855. This year’s event was officially opened on Thursday by Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, and blessed by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech.

The event is intended to show the public the products of the Gozitan agricultural and artisan sectors. A number of farmers and villagers display their goods, varying from plants, fruit and vegetables, as well as products such as wine, honey, cheese and other food.

This year, the exhibition also includes a special attraction: the farm animals section, which did not form part of last year’s event due to precautionary health measures that had been taken.

Speaking during the opening of the event, the Gozo Minister noted the importance of the agricultural sector in the Gozitan economy, as well as its significance to the island’s rural environment.

She said this formed an important part of the ministry’s eco-Gozo vision, which is intended to transform Gozo into an ecological island.