The V.I. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the UVI Cooperative Extension Service and the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center, invites farmers and other interested persons to an important meeting to discuss the development of a V.I. Poultry Farmers Cooperative. The objective of this follow- up meeting is to assist poultry producers in organizing their collective efforts to improve production, marketing and operational efficiency. Topics for discussion will include the function and benefits of a cooperative, training and networking opportunities, and available resources and support for producer organizations.
“This latest initiative is part of the overall effort of the administration to advance the business of agriculture. The development of a functional cooperative among poultry producers will strengthen their capacity to produce, market, and purchase supplies, feed and other common necessities. Such organizational structure will improve the collective ability of farmers to acquire financial resources to support production and marketing,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Louis E. Petersen Jr., Ph.D.
On St. Thomas, the meeting is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center’s Training Facility in the Nisky Center. On St. Croix, the meeting will be convened from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, in Room 133 of the Research Extension Center at the UVI St. Croix campus.
In attendance will be representatives from NOVUS International, a private sector enterprise with agricultural programs and projects based in 109 countries. The team from NOVUS International will be visiting the territory Sept. 6 – 10, at the invitation of Commissioner Petersen. “Our local team looks forward to a meaningful and fruitful partnership with NOVUS as we work collaboratively to improve and expand the business of poultry production in the Virgin Islands,” Petersen said.
For additional information, contact the V.I. Department of Agriculture at 774-5182 on St. Thomas, 778-0997/8 ext. 228 on St. Croix or 776-6274 on St. John.
