The commissioner of agriculture and the president of the University of the Virgin Islands have been charged to create an Agricultural Plan for the Virgin Islands, pursuant to Act 8404 signed into law on Dec. 11, 2020.
An Agricultural Plan Taskforce has been convened and is working to develop various aspects of the plan. It is critical that the taskforce receive input from the public, especially those engaged in the agriculture industry. There will be surveys developed and distributed, and focus groups and town halls convened so that everyone can share their insights. Residents will be informed once these documents and events are developed.
The VI Agricultural Plan Taskforce’s goal is to develop a plan that will increase agriculture productivity in the territory so that food security and sovereignty are not just labels but a true reflection of the reality of the lives of people in the Virgin Islands.
The taskforce will be reaching out to the people of the VI on a regular basis, and it encourages the public’s participation in the development of the plan. In the interim and throughout this process, if anyone has ideas, suggestions or thoughts to share with the taskforce, please send them to agplan@doa.vi.gov, said Commissioner Positive T. A. Nelson and UVI President David Hall.
