The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Sustainability and Agricultural Education (SAE) Division announced the arrival and installation of the territory’s first-ever hydroponic trailer freight farm on Tuesday. The cutting-edge facility is housed at Eulalie R. Rivera PreK-8 School on St. Croix, marking a historic step forward in agricultural innovation and education for the Virgin Islands.
This state-of-the-art freight farm, made possible through Act 8404, is a fully self-contained, climate-controlled unit that can grow the equivalent of 2.5 acres of produce in a compact, soil-free environment using hydroponic technology.
“This isn’t just a farm; it’s a classroom on wheels. Our students across the territory now have a powerful, hands-on opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture, food security, and eco-friendly practices that will shape the future of our islands,” said Cydney Meadows, territorial director of SAE.
Meadows emphasized the significance of placing the hydroponic farm at Eulalie R. Rivera PreK-8 School, noting the school’s longstanding commitment to agriculture, including its involvement in Future Farmers of America and collaboration with organizations like V.I. F-SCORE and Eco-Schools.
“Eulalie Rivera has a long history of agriculture and Future Farmers of America. They also work with farm education programs for all, fostering a wonderful green space that we are cultivating so that our students can be completely immersed and continue that pride in agriculture that they have had for so long,” said Meadows.
The hydroponic trailer farm is available to all Virgin Islands students and serves as a learning hub integrating STEM, environmental stewardship, and agricultural education. The initiative aligns with the Department of Education’s mission to build a more resilient and food-secure Virgin Islands by investing in the next generation of sustainability leaders.
“When you are really looking at how plants grow, the temperature matters, the amount of water matters. This completely enclosed hydroponic farm provides a controlled environment where we can grow strawberries, lettuces, and other crops while ensuring the best taste and quality. It allows students to experience firsthand what food sovereignty and food security mean and how they relate to the local food supply chain,” explained Meadows.
Also on-site were Juel Mills and Joan Lewis from the St. Croix Curriculum and Instruction team, who explained that the consolidated grant for the St. Croix District helped fund the freight farm, with the St. Croix Curriculum and Instruction team serving as its sponsor. This includes all the coordinators who collaborated to bring the project to St. Croix.
Mills stated that the next step is working with Eco-Schools to transition the farm to the designated green area. On Wednesday, maintenance staff assessed the electrical and logistical requirements necessary to ensure the farm is fully operational by the next school year.
“We’re cultivating more than crops; we’re cultivating curiosity, innovation, and a sense of responsibility to our planet. Together, we are growing a greener, more sustainable future for the Virgin Islands,” said Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington in a press release.
Meadows said there will be more updates to come as students begin planting, harvesting, and learning in the V.I.’s newest green classroom. A grand opening event will be announced soon. For additional information, contact Meadows at 340-774-0100 or at cydney.meadows@vide.vi.
