A planned boycott of this week’s Agricultural Exhibition by irate farmers has been called off.

The Bermuda Farmers Association had said it was taking action against the annual event after years of “unnecessary bureaucratic red tape” that was putting a stranglehold on the livelihoods of farmers.

And one critic of Government last week said that new “interception” laws — drafted to stop imported seeds pre-treated with harmful insecticides being brought into the Island — were evidence that Government was “trying to kill what little is left of Bermuda’s agricultural business”.

BFA spokesman Tom Wadson said the Association would hold its own show at his Southampton farm this Friday and Saturday in protest of Government policies.

But sources close to the dispute said that Government has issued a letter to farmers “retracting” plans to intercept imported seeds, and as a result, the boycott was called off.

“As a show of good faith we have decided to submit a combined exhibit at the Agricultural Exhibition showing the very best of what we are capable of producing on Island when we all work together. We appreciate your continued support and welcome your questions — visit us at our farmers’ markets, get to know us and learn where your local food comes from,” said a press release issued by the BFA today.