The hybrid “Rooted in Community – Agricultural and Fisheries Public Forum” will be Tuesday, Feb 11, at 6 p.m. on St. Thomas.
The Local Food and Farm Council (LFFC), hosted with and featuring Senate President Milton E. Potter, invites farmers, fishers and local community members to attend the “Rooted in Community – Agricultural and Fisheries Public Forum” on Tuesday, February 11 at 6 pm AST at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), St. Thomas. The forum will facilitate critical discussions on the future of agriculture and fisheries in the territory, centering on sustainability, policy development, and community engagement. Specifically it will focus on gaining feedback from fishers and farmers regarding their needs, opportunities, challenges and concerns related to a proposed farmers’ market on the eastern side of St. Thomas. Registration for the event begins at 5:30 pm AST. In-person and virtual attendance is available.
Rooted in Community – Agricultural and Fisheries Public Forum Details:
Location: University of the Virgin Islands, UVI 13D Research and Strategy Innovation Center, No. 2 John Brewers Bay, St. Thomas
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 11
Registration: 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. AST
Event Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. AST
Pre-register: (340) 693-1003 or vilocalfoodandfarmcouncil@doa.vi.gov
Link for Virtual: bit.ly/RootedForumFeb11 or https://uvi-edu.zoom.us/j/99827829428
(Meeting ID: 998 2782 9428)
The LFFC is charged with guiding the execution of the U.S. Virgin Island’s Agricultural Plan, with the goal of advancing food security in the territory. Senator President Potter attended a recent LFFC meeting, where he actively engaged with members on key issues impacting the agriculture and fisheries sectors. His continued involvement in this forum underscores his commitment to strengthening these industries and building collaboration between policymakers, industry professionals, and local stakeholders.
The Local Food and Farm Council is made up of 16 members: Co-chairs Dr. Louis E. Petersen, Jr., Commissioner, Department of Agriculture and Dr. Safiya George, President, UVI; Dr. Usman Adamu, Dean and Director of the School of Agriculture, UVI; Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Commissioner, Department of Education (VIDE); Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Commissioner, DPNR; Wayne L. Biggs Jr., CEO, USVI Economic
Development Authority; Honorary Farm Members Abeba Sellassie, Ityopia Rootz Farm; Dr. Nate Olive, Ridge to Reef Farm; Edmon Titre, New Breed Farm; Royce Creque, Greenridge Guavaberry Farm; Honorary Fisher Members Winston Ledee and Mavel Maldonado; VIDE Designees Dr. Renee Charleswell, Deputy Commissioner of Curriculum and Instruction, VIDE, and Harith Wickrema, President, Island Green Living; and DPNR Designees Dr. Nicole Angeli, Director of Fish & Wildlife, DPNR and Dr. Sennai Habtes, Bureau Chief, Fisheries, DPNR.
For more information on LFFC programming, please visit www.vilocalfoodandfarmcouncil.org. To share feedback, please contact 340-693-1003 or vilocalfoodandfarmcouncil@doa.vi.gov.
