Welcome to the US Virgin Islands
Department of  Agriculture

…where we help our community GROW!

Our agricultural past 

The US Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture was created pursuant to Title 3, Chapter 17, Section 291. Act Number 5265 repealed this Section and established the Department of Economic Development and Agriculture and in 1995, Act No. 5265 as amended by Act. No. 6070, abolished the Department of Economic Development and Agriculture and created two separate entities, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Tourism.

Current Programs

Abattoir

Establishment 482, located on St. Croix currently provides the humane slaughter of animals from across the USVI working to increase the availability of locally grown meats.

Hemp Program

Enforcers of the industrial hemp program and licensing requirements, responsible for maintaining information on the land where hemp is produced, testing the level of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, disposing of plants that do not meet the necessary requirements, and ensuring compliance with the USDA and all federal guidelines.

Marketing

Purchasers and purveyors of locally grown produce who increase access to and awareness of locally grown crops by providing education & technical assistance to enhance market competitiveness.

Agricultural Development

Organizers of physical and technical assistance to farmers across the Territory, connections within the farming community, and support for the fulfillment of agricultural potential.

Land Development & Maintenance

Facilitators of farmer assistance in the preparation and development of land for agricultural production and the maintenance and repair of all VIDA buildings and grounds.

Veterinary Services

Developers, promoters, and supporters of animal health, who provide regulatory, assistive, protective, and supportive services to livestock farmers for animal safety across the USVI.

Commissioner’s Welcome

Slavery and colonialism were the tenets on which our Territory was founded, and interwoven with this history is the importance of agriculture as a cultural icon.

As we become an increasingly global society, our conversations around food and where it comes from has shifted our focus to locally grown foods. While somewhat repudiated over the last 100 years, the industry is poised for a resurgence. With the ever increasing threat of climate change and natural disasters, it has become crucial for the sustainability of our community to diversify our products, develop higher rates of self-sufficiency and food sovereignty, and network with our Caribbean neighbors. The future of our food system depends on it. 

Financial Management

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Fiscal Management

Administration

Commissioner’s Office and Senior Leadership Team

Property Management

Property Leasing, Inspection, and Monitoring

Commissioner’s Office

Positive T. A. Nelson

Commissioner

Please click here for biography.

Diana E. Collingwood

Assistant Commissioner

Please click here for biography.

Hannah V. Carty

Deputy Commissioner

Please click here for biography.

Latest News

Public Notice: St. John Modular

PUBLIC NOTICE The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that pursuant to Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations, Title 12, Chapter 21, Section 904-9, an application for Federal Consistency Determination, CZM0004-23, has been submitted by the Virgin...

Agriculture and Food Fair: 2023 Farmer of the Year Competition

Crop, livestock, and APIARY farmers are encouraged to submit their applications now!

VIDA Celebrates Holidays as a Whole: STT and STJ closed 12/23

As STJ and STT employees travel to St. Croix for their holiday gathering, offices will be closed.

Agriculture and Food Fair of the U.S. Virgin Islands Announces 2023 Farmers of the Year Competition

NEWS RELEASE     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 2, 2022   The Agriculture and Food Fair of the U.S. Virgin Islands Announces 2023 Farmers of the Year Competition   St. Croix, Virgin Islands - The Agriculture and Food Fair of the U.S. Virgin Islands is accepting...

Upcoming Composting Workshops (STJ and STX)

Open to the public and there is no limit on space. Registration is not necessary. Masks ARE required.

USVI Joint Agriculture Information Fair

English_USVI Ag Resource Fair Flyer_10312022 (1) Spanish_USVI Ag Resource Fair Flyer_10312022

STX Nursery Closed for Training

The STX nursery will be closed the rest of this week due to staff training. The nursery will resume regular operations next Monday, November 7, 2022 at it regular opening time at 8:00 AM.

Nursery Workshop for Reforestation and Restoration Tree Growers

VIDA teams up with US Forest Service and USDA to bring experts to lead educational sessions targeting our local nurseries and planting sites.

Get in touch with us!

Connect with us in our VIDA offices on St. Croix, St. John, or St. Thomas. Or, send us an email using the button below.

(340) 774-5182
info.doa@doa.vi.gov