Ten territory teenagers with an eye toward a career in tilling the native soil will have a unique opportunity this summer to receive expert tutelage on a farming career at a study program in Georgia, but there’s barely two weeks to apply.
The V.I. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Fort Valley State University in Georgia and the V.I. Resource Conservation & Development Council, announced the Young Farmer Training Program this week.
Deputy Commissioner Errol Chichester said applicants must be between 15 and 18 years old to apply for a scholarship to participate in the intensive three-week program, which will be held from Aug. 3 through Aug. 21 at Fort Valley State University in Georgia. Applicants must be residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands and have an interest in studying agricultural science at the post secondary level upon high school graduation.
Applicants can pick up an application at the Agriculture Department offices on all three islands between now and the closing date, July 15. They must submit an essay of no more than 300 words outlining their interest in participating in the program.
Also, a representative from the Agriculture Department will be at the Farmer’s Market between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday at Yacht Haven Grande to supply applications and answer any questions.
Chichester said this is a "first time opportunity for local residents." The training initiative will provide an opportunity for the ten young adults to participate in field and laboratory exercises, classroom lectures, technical tours of the university facilities and on-farm production operations.
Upon completion of the course, Chichester said, the youngsters will have a "well-rounded knowledge of the vast and dynamic field of agriculture."
Speaking Thursday morning, Chichester emphasized his passion for young folks pursuing a farm-related career, and his frustration.
"Lots of folks figure there are opportunities in the territory in nursing or education, but there are endless positions for a person with an agriculture background."
Chichester is a one-man-band in his enthusiasm.
"People don’t realize how much we have. There are positions with the University of the Virgin Islands Extension Service programs in horticulture, pest management, livestock management. There are nutritionist positions at UVI and in the Health Department; there’s research work at the Agriculture Experimental Station."
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Chichester says there are career positions at the National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife for zoologist or biologist, and soil conservationist positions at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
"Also," Chichester said, "graduates could explore doing landscape design for the big hotels or private businesses. There’s lots of money there."
When the 10 students return from the program this summer, Chichester said they will have absorbed information on topics ranging from organic farming, marketing and agribusiness to crop and livestock production to give them a grasp of the career opportunities.
Successful applicants will receive a scholarship that will cover the cost of airfare, ground transportation, tuition, dormitory accommodations and meals. Students enrolled in the program will also receive a weekly stipend to assist with personal expenses.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting Chichester at 778-0991, or visiting the Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Yacht Haven Grande.
