More farmer’s grants coming this year — Premier
Farmers in the Virgin Islands can expect more support in the coming year as the government unveils a series of initiatives to boost agriculture.
During the budget debate, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said his government will distribute grants to farmers this year. “We’re introducing grants for farmers, which we are grateful for,” he stated.
Dr Wheatley did not specify how the distribution would be executed. However, he noted recently that the government has allocated significant resources to bolster the agriculture and fisheries sectors. This includes the development of an Agriculture and Fisheries Complex and the construction of a Farmer’s Reservoir at Paraquita Bay.
He also emphasised the government’s vision for agriculture as a sustainable business opportunity. “The development of agriculture and fisheries is essential to our sustainable future,” he said while outlining plans to reduce reliance on imported food and ensure access to fresh, healthy produce.
According to Dr Wheatley, the government will assign more lots for farming across the four major islands this year. Work on survey plans has already begun in Anegada, with similar activities scheduled for Virgin Gorda soon. The Premier also underscored the importance of training farmers in modern techniques, such as hydroponics and shade houses, with support from the OECS Resilient Agriculture project.
A substantial budget of $1.2 million has been earmarked for the Agriculture and Fisheries Complex and the Farmer’s Reservoir, both spearheaded by the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA). Additionally, $831,600 will go towards Beach Development, Harbour Development, and office upgrades for the Department of Land Registry, all under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change.
Youth Engagement and Sustainability
Meanwhile, the government is expected to prioritise the engagement of young farmers and fishers through the H.A.R.V.E.S.T. programme, which aims to provide hands-on experience while promoting sustainable practices.
“Young farmers and fishers are vital to the future of these sectors,” Dr Wheatley explained. The programme will offer practical training and highlight agriculture as a viable business path for the younger generation.
Dr Wheatley also emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring farmers have access to necessary resources. Plans include improved irrigation systems, restoring wells, and assigning more land for agricultural use. “Central to increasing agriculture production will be training for farmers and building learning networks among practitioners,” he added.
Copyright 2025 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
None of the farmers are commercial and the money goes straight into the pockets
The only farming going on here be the scooter boys growing weed!
Nothing sustainable about money giveaways to buy votes.
Please stop this stupidness!
Young farmers and fisherfolk may indeed be vital, but few are keen on the long hours and low wages.
You all going to repeat the free money giveaway like last time ?
importing food into the BVI from foreign ports is the ONLY practical stimulus for better sustainable farming and fishing in the BVI!
What dribble am I reading here in the comments
“None of the farmers are commercial and the money goes straight into the pockets”
Though they have trade license you think they are not commercial? Money goes in a pocket or the bank who ever you give it to. The medics dipping into NHI are milking us way worse than this could ever do. They can go off and make a good wage elsewhere. But no, you complain about the farmers & fishers who choose a risky un-sure local industry. There are no home grown imports & that imported food is filled with pesticides.
“importing food into the BVI from foreign ports is the ONLY practical stimulus for better sustainable farming and fishing in the BVI!”
Then the next global supply chain disruption comes we will still be able to import food? Only a mumu would suggest us to stop farming & fishing locally. Farming and fishing are usually financially supported by governments including the USA.
When covid-19 was starting up I found myself farming the front yard because I realized what time it is. We have to stop looking down on them.
Look at pictures of other places in the world and then look at pictures of the VIRGIN ISLANDS. The name alone says everything. It is a known fact that local produce has a superior flavor. It is a little known fact that local vessels have sailed directly to Bristol, Liverpool in UK and the New England Colonies in America laden with produce from the Virgin Islands. Not all of us are dumb and illiterate. The biggest obstacle to food production in the Virgin Islands is bad minded people who would rather see the land bear thistles and thorns rather than someone make an honest dollar from their hard work and sacrifice. If the government is having hell keeping the road from being reclaimed by vegetation is that not a sign that with the proper approach food production is entirely viable. Its time for clueless sleepers to stop blocking the progress of the country and allow other people to thrive.
can we make sure these people actually have real farms, the last grants were given to people without so much as a potted plant
Another round of agriculture grants – we’ll be auditing the list and crying foul in 3 years. Some things never change.
If we are serious about agriculture then have the agricultural division plant crops and employ young people who are making an effort.