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Gov’t designates 45 acres of Anegada land for agriculture

The government has set aside a portion of land in Anegada to use for agricultural purposes.

According to Cabinet’s decision document about its March 30 meeting, approximately 45 acres of land was designated for this initiative on the sister island.

Cabinet also determined that “the land be legally vetted to ensure that same could be designated, considering, [among other things], legal impediments relating to current land ownership and use if any”.

The executive body also decided that the “legal process to erect any signage outlining the extent of the designation be posted on site, only after the correct legal approvals/requirements in law have been satisfied”.

About two weeks ago, Minister of Agriculture Dr Natalio Wheatley projected that poultry production will become a major source of revenue for Anegada’s economy in the near future.

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for a poultry facility in Anegada during Farmers’ and Fishers’ Week, Dr Wheatley said all it takes to increase production is the will, the finances and making land available.

He said the current vision for agriculture in Anegada is for poultry to become a major moneymaker and supplying the territory with poultry products should be the ultimate end goal to sustain Anegada’s economy which is heavily reliant on the fishing sector.

Although the Agriculture Minister focused heavily on poultry production on the sister island, he noted that the island has the land space to maximise the profits the agriculture industry has at its disposal.

“You have the land, the space to be able to make agriculture a real driver of your economy and it’s time to take it to the next level,” the minister told Anegada residents at the time.

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29 Comments

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  1. Really? says:

    On a coral island with no fresh water source and a population of about 1,000 we want to invest in agriculture? Anybody waonder why there was no sugar cane grown there in the colonial days? What do we think, 21st century technology will make Anegada a viable agricultural center, beyong growing a few veggies and such to be sold locally?

    Like 23
    Dislike 2
    • Facts says:

      Anegada was once the agricultural hub of the US & British Virgin Islands. Anegadas seafood, salt, fruit and vegetables were sold throughout the region. In fact, in the late 1800’s when Santo Domingo needed farmers to manage their farms they sent for Anegadians.

      Also Anegada has fresh water aquifers all throughout the island that currently supply farmers with water! So beyond you not knowing what you’re talking about, consider yourself educated!

      Like 11
      Dislike 1
    • @Really? says:

      Did you read beyond the headline?

      Like 1
      Dislike 1
    • population says:

      about 1/3 of your guess

  2. Real Simple says:

    Has a soil survey taken place on these 45 acres? Who has advised government that this is a wide endeavour? Or have they just made the decision in the vacuum of the Cabinet’s echo chamber?

    • answer says:

      it is the old agriculture site that used to grow fruit and vegetables before Irma , its nothing new except its being handed over to locals to farm on

  3. Rubber Duck says:

    A penguin farm would be more lucrative.

    Like 10
  4. Jane says:

    We should make it a National Park, develop things like nature walks, hiking and mountain biking trails, bird-watching hides, geo-caches and possibly some low-impact eco-lodges and glamping. Anegada is a bio-diverse and globally important gem. Agriculture will use water and pesticides, create run-off which will kill the reef and fish. Bye-bye Natures Little Secrets.

    Like 12
    Dislike 2
    • Flamingo says:

      Which mountain on Anegada? Hiking to where?

      • rastarite says:

        Anegada is a flat island with poor soil and scrub bush. Its attractions are beaches and fishing – so tourism is the only answer with some commercial fishing – end of story.

  5. Lodger says:

    Where will the eggs, chicks, feed come from. Dont we already have at least one chicken farm?

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  6. @jane says:

    hi jane this is john. mountain trails on anegada?

    lol lollllllll

    Like 8
    Dislike 2
    • Harold says:

      There is a mountain biking race on Anegada every year, no mountains but serious off road you should try it and then try riding up Sage mount and let us know which one was harder and hotter

    • To John says:

      Read properly before commenting – it says mountain trail bikes….

    • @John says:

      Hi John, this is Jane, I did say mountain bikes, and of course Anegada is flat so no mountains as you say. What I meant was off-road bikes and trails. My point is that agriculture will damage the very precious island of Anegada, it will not be easy, and likely not create either food sustainability nor significant economic growth, it will also damage the reef and impact on the existing industry of fishing. It will also diminish the tourism product as part of the beauty of Anegada is that it still as God intended it to be, in an untouched natural state.

      Like 5
      Dislike 2
      • @Jane says:

        you have absolutley no clue what your are talking about.

        The 45 acres are set off the road and have been in use for agriculture for more than 20 years before Irma. It is no where near the reef.

        There is already glamping and ecolodges on Anegada

        There are nature hikes and bird hides

        Perhaps you should visit instead of just blogging

  7. Anonymous says:

    Agricultural run-off specifically poultry, in the long run can be detrimental to the coral reefs. It can directly cause algae blooms which in turn affects aquatic life.

  8. @jane says:

    this is john again. ok then

  9. Wings says:

    An airport large enough to accommodate jumbo jets is my suggestion.

    Like 3
    Dislike 5
  10. heckler says:

    In 11 months he will be gone off the political scene because he is gonna lose his seat so don’t mind he

  11. Off road quiet says:

    Whatever land activity anyone does on Anegada please respect the peace and quiet of that island by avoiding the use of noisy fossil fuel motors. Encourage off road pedal bikes, hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, etc. on Anegada’s numerous beaches, trails and unpaved roads. Keep the noisy motor bikes, scooters, ATVs, etc. on Tortola.

  12. Aqua Phonics says:

    Go technology.

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