Farmers, fisherfolk get $136K in new grant scheme

Farmers and fishers in the BVI are set to benefit from more than $136,000 in targeted financial support following Cabinet’s approval and rollout of a new Commercial Agriculture and Fisheries Grant Policy, the House of Assembly heard last week.

The policy, titled From Land and Sea to Enterprise: Unlocking the Economic Potential of Agriculture and Fisheries, was approved by Cabinet on January 7 and formally announced during last week’s House sitting. The government said the initiative will strengthen food security, stimulate economic activity, and improve resilience in the territory’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.

For the current financial year, Cabinet has approved a budgetary allocation of $136,521.86 to support the grant programme. The funds will be distributed under a structured framework, with grant ceilings of up to $10,000 for small-scale operations, $25,000 for medium-scale enterprises and $50,000 for large-scale commercial ventures. Grants may be used for capital investment, operational inputs, training, innovation and the adoption of modern technologies, but not for the purchase of land.

“This is not a hand-out programme. It is an investment programme,” the Premier told lawmakers.

The policy targets farmers, fishers, agro-processors and fish processors who are already engaged in commercial activity, as well as those prepared to scale up viable operations. The government noted that the Virgin Islands currently imports most of its food supply, a vulnerability highlighted by recent global disruptions and rising food costs.

Beyond traditional farming and fishing, the policy defines agriculture and fisheries broadly, covering food and non-food crops, livestock, aquaculture, agro-processing, fish processing and innovation within the Blue Economy. It also emphasises value-added activities, entrepreneurship, job creation, and income diversification.

“Through this policy, my government is sending a clear message: we believe in our farmers, we believe in our fishers, and we are committed to partnering with them to build a more resilient, productive, and self-reliant Virgin Islands,” the Premier stated.

Administration of the programme will fall under the Premier’s Office and the ministry responsible for agriculture and fisheries, supported by a multi-disciplinary grant committee. The policy aligns with the national priorities set out in the Virgin Islands Food Security and Sustainability Act, 2022, and Vision 2036.

Implementation is now underway, with an advertisement already issued inviting qualified individuals to serve on the Commercial Agriculture and Fisheries Grant Committee. Appointments will be finalised in accordance with established procedures.

The application process for the grant programme was opened on January 16, with application forms to be made available on the government’s website. The first call for applications will close on February 13.