The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDA) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Micro-Grants for Food Security Program, an initiative designed to strengthen local food production and improve food security throughout the Territory.

Applicants are eligible to apply for up to $5,000 to support projects in the following three categories:

• Farming and backyard gardening
• Livestock
• Beekeeping

Funding may be used for eligible project needs such as tools, soil, seeds, staff, plants, farming systems, livestock, fencing, infrastructure repairs, beekeeping supplies, refrigeration, composting and other resources that support local agricultural production.

VIDA anticipates selecting 44 grant recipients across the Territory, including:

• 24 recipients on St. Croix
• 15 recipients on St. Thomas
• 5 recipients on St. John

Eligible applicants include Virgin Islands residents who are at least 18 years old, including new and beginning farmers, small-scale farmers and backyard farmers. Registered nonprofit organizations, churches, federally funded educational facilities, farming businesses and other qualifying organizations working to increase food security may also apply.

Applicants must have a valid farmer’s license or be in the process of obtaining one and must not have any outstanding financial obligations to VIDA.

Applications are available on the VIDA website and at VIDA office locations throughout the Territory. Completed applications must be submitted online or in person by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 4, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

For additional information or to access the application, visit doa.vi.gov.

 Apply Here: 

For the fillable online document click here:

For the downloadable pdf version click here: