US VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (VIDA) SEEKING FARMERS TO PARTICIPATE IN A CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM

by | Sep 21, 2022 | Alternate Funding, Disaster Assistance, Grant Funding, Newsletters, Press Releases, Public Meetings, Public Notice, Uncategorized

Contact: Billy Abraham at 778-0993.

US Virgin Islands – The Commissioner of Agriculture, Positive T.A. Nelson wishes to announce an opportunity aimed at assisting VI farmers to  produce locally grown crops on a production scale through the establishment of a Capacity Building Program, which will seek to fill the gap between the farmers who have the will to farm but are at a financial disadvantage or may not have adequate resources to build a farming business.

VIDA is seeking four (4) Farmers (2 in each district) to participate in this endeavor. The program  will  provide the selected applicants with technical assistance and training on best planting practices, crop variety selection, irrigation and post-harvest-techniques. All applications received under this solicitation will  undergo a Competitive Review Process to select the prospective participants for the VIDA Growers Capacity Building Program. That is, each application will be evaluated and scored based upon a point and rank system. This evaluation will be conducted by a panel of 3 members, who are not associated with the Department of Agriculture. Finally, 4 applications (2 for St. Croix district and 2 for St. Thomas/St. John district) with the top 4 scores (per island District) will be selected for the project.

 

Prospective Participants must meet the following minimum requirements to be eligible to participate in this program:

  • Must have an identifiable water source.
  • Minimum of 1 acre of land; Proof of ownership or Permission to occupy property.
  • Farmers License.

All individuals interested in applying for this program may download an application using the link: CapacityBuildingApplication or send a request via VIDA website (info.doa.vi.gov) or e-mail: billy.abraham@doa.gov.vi; or pick up from VI Department of Agriculture campus located on either district. Selected applicants must possess the following minimum requirements:

  • Adequate water supply
  • Farmers License
  • Health Card
  • Land (proprietorship of property is not mandatory; however, if the property belongs to another party, then express permission from landowner must be granted).

The deadline to submit Applications to VI Department of Agriculture – Marketing Division is 4:59 on October 31st, 2022. Applications may be submitted in person or electronically to grants@doa.vi.gov or billy.abraham@doa.vi.gov.

All questions regarding this opportunity should be emailed to email address given above.