Changes are in store for both the annual Agricultural Exhibition Show and its traditional home, the Botanical Gardens.

The popular show, which brings thousands of residents and visitors together each spring, will take place between April 19 and 21 for the 65th time. It has been held at the Botanical Gardens since 1913.

While there was some buzz about big changes to the Ag Show occurring this year -- such as splitting the event over different venues -- Director of Agriculture and Fisheries John Barnes said there are only minor differences from last year. The changes are so small it is unlikely the public will even notice, he said.

Planning for this year's show was essentially completed by the time the discussions of whether to split the show up in the future began, he said. "By October, the next year's show is already in the works,'' said Mr. Barnes. "We work on that kind of lead time.'' However, visitors leaving the Ag Show this year will be asked to participate in an exit survey to help determine where the exhibition should go in the future.

Mr. Barnes said that the department is trying to determine whether the show is good value for the money spent and whether it's achieving its objectives.

Last Friday, Minister of Environment, Development & Opportunity Terry Lister gave Parliament a briefing on how the Ministry was approaching changes to the Ag Show. He was responding to a question from Shadow Environment Minister Gary Pitman on where the Ag Show was headed.

Mr. Lister said that his ministry began a routine programme evaluation of the show in December.

"The programme evaluation will, among other things, look at the costs and benefits of the exhibition and determine the extent to which the exhibition in its present form satisfies the needs and expectations of the public,'' he said.

"Management Service officers are in the midst of a data collection exercise and an intensive round of interviews with all, and I stress all, the stakeholders.'' But Mr. Lister also told the House that the way the Ag Show will evolve will be heavily determined by changes to the management and structure of the Botanical Gardens, where it has been held since 1913.

"Generally speaking, the exhibition is considered a highlight of the calendar and a great success that attracts a wonderful mix of people,'' said Mr.

Lister. "Over the years, the exhibition has changed and it has grown. Some would say it has improved; some would say it had deteriorated; others would say it has moved too far from its roots as an agricultural exhibit.'' The Botanical Gardens currently devotes 25 percent of its schedule to the preparation, hosting, cleanup and repair activities related to the Ag Show, according to Curator Lisa Outerbridge.

But a new master plan is being developed for the management of the Botanical Gardens. Ms Outerbridge said the Gardens is technically a park and each park must have a master plan.

Development of the plan is only in its "conceptual stages'' right now but it is completely separate from the exit survey being conducted for the Ag Show, she said. The Botanical Gardens sent out 1,200 surveys in the most recent issue of the Ag and Fish department's monthly bulletin. The survey seeks input on the role and importance of the park. Only about 200 responses have been received so far, Ms Outerbridge said but many more are expected.

At this point, feedback is being sought from horticulture enthusiasts and professionals but, in the future, the public's views on what should be the role and scope of the Botanical Gardens will also be sought, she said.

"Is there more demand for a park or fair ground than a real botanical garden? These are some of the things we'll be considering,'' she said.

Change is coming, but the nature and timetable of change is still being developed, said Minister Terry Lister.

"Will these changes please everyone? I doubt it. But nor does the exhibition in its present form please everyone despite its popularity and success,'' he said.