The Royal Agriculture, Fisheries and Industries Show 2012 will be held in Tongatapu, 'Eua and Ha'apai in October.

The show is an opportunity for farmers, fishermen and private sector businesses to display traditional Tongan foods, handmade handicrafts, seafood, fish and locally made products.

Losaline Ma'asi of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Forests and Fisheries said this afternoon, that the Ha'apai show will be first held on October 5 and opened by HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalaka. 

HM King Tupou VI will open a one-day show in 'Eua on October 12. The king will also open Tongatapu's two-day show on October 19 at the Manamou'i Grounds at 'Atele, she said.

At this stage it is understood there would be no shows in Vava'u and the two Niuas.

The shows are held in October to coincide with the World Food Day marked on October 16 under a theme, "Agricultural Cooperatives is the key to feeding the world".

Losaline said the annual event is essential to Tonga because it would not only highlight the importance of these sectors in providing food security for Tonga's people but it also encouraged them to continue their trade despite the financial vulnerabilities they face.

Competitions will be held with prizes awarded to winners during the shows, she said.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Industries show was a regular event in Tonga in the past. The shows were revived last year and held in Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai and 'Eua.