The Tongatapu Royal Agriculture, Fisheries and Tourism Trade Show this year will be held a month earlier than usual, on Saturday, June 22, to be followed by the outer islands shows.

Usually Tongatapu is the last of the islands to have the annual national event, but since the celebration of King Tupou VI's 60th birthday will be held in Nuku'alofa on July 4, the show starts on the main island this year.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFFF) confirmed today, the King will open the Tongatapu show at Fungamanamo’ui grounds.

The Ha’apai show will follow on July 16, Vava’u on July 19, Niuafo’ou on July 24, Niuatoputapu on July 26, before concluding in ‘Eua on August 2.

Plentiful food crops, vegetables, seafood, cakes, fine handicrafts, livestock, local services and products would be on display for the public to view and buy. In addition, competitions and prizes will also be held and awarded during the shows.

Organized by the Ministry, the show aims to promote the agricultural and fisheries sectors, while encouraging sustainability, and entrepreneurship.