The public had its chance to address the future of farming in the Virgin Islands at an Agricultural Town Hall Meeting held Wednesday evening on St. Croix. Around 75 farmers, business owners, public officials, economic students and financial consultants gathered and made plans to connect and share more with each other.
“This is a chance to exchange and share workable and practical information on what we need to know about agribusiness," Sen. Janette Millin Young said. “We want to help make agriculture business successful and profitable.”
The meeting in the Great Hall was hosted by the University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service and the office of Millin Young, who is chairwoman chair of the economic development and planning committee.
Ed Williams, a retired teacher and president of the Future Farmers of America, gave an impromptu rallying speech. He had been the teacher of a number of the farmers in attendance and he is also a pastor.
Panelists were from different sectors with an interest in the business of agriculture.
Percival Tahemah Edwards, director of St. Croix Farmers in Action, spoke about the history of agriculture on St. Croix. He brought up the fact that they need a large labor force and leadership needs to come together to make successful farming a realty.
Nate Olive spoke about the success they have had at Ridge to Reef Farm, of which he is the director. He mentioned planting moringa trees back in 2002 and how they are really starting to take off just as the moringa is becoming popular because of its natural antibacterial properties. And he brought up the fact that Ridge to Reef Farm produce is totally organic.
Agriculture Commissioner Louis E. Petersen gave a power point presentation on all the successful projects and programs the department has completed. He said several Virgin Islands public school students will participate in a summer program promoting agricultural education and exposing them to career opportunities in agriculture. Students will spend four weeks at Alcorn State University in Mississippi starting next week. ASU planned and organized the program in response to a request from the Virgin Islands, Petersen said.
Luther Renee, assistant commissioner of Agriculture, also sat on the panel. And Glen Poole gave a power point presentation on the financial aspect of farming.
Kwame Garcia Sr., director of UVI’s Cooperative Extension Service, was also a panelist.
Sen. Terrence “Positive” Nelson and Jennifer Nugent Hill from the Economic Development Authority also spoke.
The presenters had to cut it short and wrap it up to open it up for audience participation.
Yoki Hanley, owner of ‘itiba’ body care products, said she would like to get everything she needs locally to craft her natural products, which are made from coconut, palm and avocado oil. “I want to be able to go to the farmer and say exactly what I need,” Hanley said. “So I don’t have to buy Guatemalan lemon grass essential oil. Then my products can be 100 percent Crucian.”
Nugent Hill from the Economic Development Authority piped up and suggested farmers produce what Hanley needs. “A challenge has been thrown out and there is the opportunity,” she said.
Myron Allick, previous owner of Starfish Market on St. John, said he would like to see farmers develop a set pricing structure.
Carl Christopher, who’s been farming for 20 years, said he has never seen the government really push financial support to make agriculture what it is supposed to be. Christopher said he was making his point and speaking out as an elder.
“There’s no action. It’s talk, talk, talk,” Christopher said, adding that government gives bonds to Diageo and bends over backwards for other industry. He said St. Croix could be a model for agriculture in the Caribbean. He said they need to put in $10 million a year in agriculture for 10 years. “This would employ thousands of young people,” Christopher said.
Kendall Petersen, local farmer and activist, said they have so much experience among the farmers they could create a blueprint for the Senate to fund the industry.
Sen. Diane Capehart, member of the economic development and planning committee, suggested they set up a think tank for agriculture. Nelson said they need to be clear on what kind of budget the farmers want. Millin Young said the model they have has to change.
“There is a missing piece on how to make it profitable.”Millin Young said to the farmers. “You tell us how to make it happen.”
