Farm tourism gains traction in the Virgin Islands

Farm tourism is emerging as a promising sector in the Virgin Islands, with local farmers and officials highlighting its potential to support food security and diversify the economy.

At a recent panel discussion hosted by the government during Agriculture and Fisheries Month, industry stakeholders discussed the importance of growing local food and attracting visitors to farms as part of a wider food security strategy.

“I think the farm tourism aspect is taking off here and I see it,” stated Stephen Bailey, General Manager of Caribbean Sustainable Fisheries. “There are huge opportunities in that as well. That’s another aspect of what we can deliver as a country.”

He said it also presents a way for farmers to generate additional income. “It makes our jobs as farmers a lot easier if we’ve got another income stream,” he explained.

Roy Barry, owner of E&R Farms, shared similar sentiments, calling for more community participation in farming at all levels. “We need to encourage more persons to become farmers. It doesn’t have to be a large-scale farmer. But if everybody gets involved and do a small bit at a time, then the numbers will grow and we can then be more focused on eating local and become a much healthier community,” he stated.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley defended his administration’s efforts to boost domestic food production, amid criticism that his government has not acted fast enough.

“These are real efforts to increase food production locally,” Dr Wheatley asserted during a press conference. “We’ve had some preliminary discussions with shippers… about how we might address the Dominican Republic, for instance.”

Dr Wheatley also pointed to regional collaboration through the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). “OECS has been talking to a network of shippers with St Martin, Guadeloupe and Martinique joining. And that’s the gateway to the European Union,” he said.

He warned that relying solely on international imports is risky, particularly in light of potential disruptions. “It’s not going to be a magic pill that we swallow… but we all have a responsibility,” he stated. “We can farm ourselves, backyard gardens.”

Efforts to expand agriculture have gained more attention following food supply chain concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the BVI government announced it would construct a new Agriculture and Fisheries Complex and allocate more land for farming to boost local production.

Farmers and officials now hope farm tourism will add value to the sector and inspire the next generation.

“It’s as much as inspiring people to get involved… Once people are inspired, they’re going to want to get educated,” Bailey noted.