THE CULINARY ARTS in Barbados has a lot going for it, according to chairman of the Culinary Alliance Ralph Yorke.

Making the feature presentation at the top awards for the Culinary Arts competition of the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) yesterday at Manor Lodge, St Michael, he said the work on display showed this skill was in good hands.

"There is lots of emerging talent. The youngsters are absolutely unbelievable. Last year we had so many schools competing. I have to congratulate The Lodge School, St Winifred's and Erdiston. It is phenomenal," he said.

He commented on the pieces which depicted aspects of Cricket World Cup and said the event would be a showcase for local cuisine. Yorke also spoke about the soon to be started Farm to the Fork programme, which would be linking agriculture and tourism, to give farmers' produce and meats an avenue into hotels and restaurants.

He said it was encouraging that generations were passing on food secrets in candies, preserves, and other areas.

Sponsor Andrew Bynoe of Carlton and A1 and Emerald City said that during their last four years of sponsorship a number of recipes have emerged and with this 40th year of Independence, it was pleasing to see the Father of Independence, Errol Barrow and cricket themes depicted on a cake.

There was also a professional cook-off and pastry competition. (WB)