Exhibitors to receive 85 per cent refund after Agfest cancelled

Agfest exhibitors will receive an 85 per cent refund on deposits: ‘We are feeling for all our exhibitors, our key stakeholders and our suppliers’.

AGFEST organisers have made the “heartbreaking” decision to cancel the 2020 event for the first time in its 38 year history amid growing coronavirus fears.

The annual event run by the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania contributes more than $20 million to the state’s economy with more than 700 confirmed exhibitors and an expected 65,000 patrons this year.

Rural Youth president Jake Williams said the cancellation was a “massive blow” to the Tasmanian economy, local and interstate exhibitors, patrons and Rural Youth.

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“We are feeling for all our exhibitors, our key stakeholders and our suppliers,” he said.

Rural Youth Tasmania vice president Ashleigh Reynolds, president Jake Williams, Agfest chairman Ethan Williams and Rural Youth safety and compliance manager Jacqui Hodgkins. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Mr Williams said the decision was made in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians after consultation with health professionals and stakeholders.

Agfest chairman Ethan Williams said the organisation has “copped some flack” for waiting to make the decision.

“We have looked at every avenue and possibility of running the event,” he said.

“We haven’t left anyone in the dark. I guess in the wake of what’s happened, it’s not a surprise.”

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Exhibitors will receive an 85 per cent refund of their deposits.

Under the terms and conditions of their contracts, Rural Youth Tasmania is not required to refund any of the deposits it receives from exhibitors if the event is cancelled.

“It is a term of good will that we are giving some back and we’re hopeful that we can run forward for next year.

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Agfest, Carrick. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

Mr Williams said he hoped exhibitors accept the decision.

“Rural Youth has a lot of costs as well as Agfest, so you can look at it as we are trying to make the event go ahead and we’d hate to see the event fall on its knees and not run.

“As far as we’re concerned we’re doing the best by everyone. It’s not easy and we are going to expect some cop.

“Agfest is Rural Youth’s main financial benefit. We will struggle, but we will get through.”

Mr Williams said the event provided revenue for exhibitors in the slower winter period.

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Minister for Primary Industries Guy Barnett commended Rural Youth’s management of the event and said their primary consideration must be the health and safety of Tasmanians.

“Agfest has become a key part of Tasmania’s rural calendar and is a significant contributor to the Tasmania economy,” he said.

The Government is currently proactively working with Rural Youth Tasmania and the Agfest committee on ways to support the agricultural sector and how best we can assist in delivering a bigger and better Agfest in 2021.”

All exhibitors will be automatically granted a spot at Agfest 2021 if they choose to apply when applications open on October 1.