President's Message
Agriculture is the food we eat, the clothes we wear and contributes to the technology we use. It's the cornerstone around which the IGA Perth Royal Show 2008 is built.
While the Royal Show is Western Australia's biggest community event, enjoyed annually by more than 400,000 visitors who come to have fun, compete and learn about agriculture, there are many serious issues that The Royal Agricultural Society of WA (The RAS) and the Royal Show competitions highlight.
Agriculture has and always will be an important part of our economy. Worth $5 billion annually, it's one of the most technologically advanced industries in the country, important in terms of our experts and ability to compete on the international stage plus an innovative world leader.
While we celebrate of Royal Show, The RAS will concurrently contribute to the healthy debate about ensuring the food security for our community and food production security for our farmers.
Through The RAS, agriculture is well-placed to demonstrate to the urban and country community how to manage issues like addressing CO2 emissions, energy use efficiency and water management.
For someone from the city, the cow which works hard to produce the milk for their breakfast cereal must seem like a long way away. We know each year the Royal Show forges closer bonds between the city and the country.
During the Royal Show each year we offer the best of WA and its produce in order to both educate and entertain. It's a chance for exhibitors to show off the best our land can produce and the finest of human endeavour - and be rewarded for their excellence. From creative crafts and cookery to cattle and equestrian events, judges have to choose the best from more than 18,000 exhibits, submitted mainly by West Australians.
From showbags and rides, to baby animals, the many pavilions and exhibitors, fireworks and the endless entertainment on the main arena, the show offers something for everyone.
I wish everyone the best for the IGA Perth Royal Show 2008.
Tony Devitt
President of The Royal Agricultural Society of WA
