The Local Food and Farm Council invites the community to participate in island-specific town halls as they share progress on the execution of the territorial Agricultural Plan for farmers and fishers as well as next steps. The hybrid events will take place on Monday, April 22 (St. Thomas); Tuesday, April 23 (St. John); and Wednesday, May 1 (St. Croix). All events will be held from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (AST).
The implementation of the Agricultural Plan represents a significant step towards realizing the vision of food security in our territory, where currently 97% of the food supply is imported according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization. The events will highlight progress, including the availability of grant money, the launch of Agriculture Business Centers on each island, the hiring of an interim local food and farm coordinator and more, as well as upcoming endeavors.
The Agricultural Plan was approved and endorsed by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and ratified by the 34th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, with funding appropriated early last year through ACT 8700. The Agricultural Plan Task Force, which crafted the plan, then passed the baton to the Local Food and Farm Council, which is charged with its execution.
Town Hall Details:
Topic: Let’s Grow! The Implementation of the Virgin Islands Agricultural Plan for Farmers and Fishers
Type: Hybrid
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. AST
Dates and Locations:
St. Thomas — April 22: University of the Virgin Islands, Orville E. Kean Campus, LaVerne E. Ragster Administration and Conference Center, 1st floor Conference Room, 2 John Brewers Bay
St. John — April 23: Legislature of the Virgin Islands St. John Annex, 1d Great Cruz Bay Road, Cruz Bay
St. Croix – May 1: University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen Campus, North West Wing, The Great Hall, Golden Grove
For Virtual Attendance:
https://uvi-edu.zoom.us/j/3850929463?omn=99085015807
Meeting ID: 385 092 9463
Pre-registration for in-person attendance can be requested at 693-1003 or vilocalfoodandfarmcouncil@doa.vi.gov
“As former co-chair of the Agricultural Plan Task Force and now in the same role on the Local Food and Farm Council, I am honored to continue shepherding the process to support food security and sovereignty in the territory,” said President David Hall, University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). “The council approaches the task of implementation of the plan with a deep sense of commitment and purpose, cognizant that efforts directly impact the well-being of the community.”
“The Agricultural Plan provides a blueprint for groundbreaking improvements in the territory,” said Louis E. Petersen Jr., Ph.D., co-chair of the council and commissioner nominee for the Department of Agriculture. “I’m confident that with the expertise of our council members and continued funding, we can create a meaningful shift in furthering our food security.”
One of the most critical issues facing the territory is ensuring a sustainable food supply. The plan was created to foster food security and sovereignty by maximizing sustainable agricultural and fishing productivity in the territory.
The council members, made up of 14 esteemed individuals including four territorial farmers, are: co-chairs David Hall, Ph.D., president of UVI; Louis E. Petersen Jr., Ph.D., commissioner nominee, Department of Agriculture; Usman Adamu, Ph.D., dean and director of the School of Agriculture, UVI; Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ph.D., commissioner, Department of Education (VIDE); Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Commissioner, DPNR; Wayne L. Biggs Jr., CEO, USVI Economic Development Authority;
Honorary Farm Members Abeba Sellassie, Ityopia Rootz Farm; Nate Olive, Ph.D., Ridge to Reef Farm; Edmon Titre, New Breed Farm; Royce Creque, Greenridge Guavaberry Farm; VIDE designees Renee Charleswell, Ph.D., deputy commissioner of Curriculum and Instruction, VIDE; Harith Wickrema, president, Island Green Living; and DPNR Designees Nicole Angeli, Ph.D., director of Fish and Wildlife, DPNR and Sennai Habtes, Ph.D., bureau chief, Fisheries, DPNR.
For more information or to share feedback, please contact 693-1003 or vilocalfoodandfarmcouncil@doa.vi.gov.
