The 27th Annual Bordeaux Farmers Rastafari Agriculture and Culture Vegan Food Fair is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17, between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to midnight in the westernmost hills of St. Thomas, located at Plot 109, Estate Bordeaux.
Organized by We Grow Food, Inc., the event highlights sustainable farming and Rastafarian traditions through a variety of organic produce, vegan cuisine, and artisanal crafts. This year’s theme, “In Agriculture, Many Problems to Fix – Support VI Farmers in 2026,” focuses on supporting local farmers and offering educational workshops on seed security and AfroEcology, led by guest speakers from national organizations.
Attendees can enjoy a diverse program featuring live reggae music, cultural dances, youth activities, and wellness services. To ensure accessibility, the organizers are providing a free shuttle service for guests traveling from town to the mountainous market site and a ramp onto the market pavilion for those with physical disabilities. This multi-sensory gathering serves as a vital fundraiser to promote food sovereignty and community resilience within the U.S. Virgin Islands.
We Grow Food, Inc. members continue to organize and manage the Bordeaux Farmers’ Market events monthly and hold this major fundraising event annually during the weekend before the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in the beautiful mountains at the Bordeaux farmers’ market on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands of the United States.
The fair brings together those who love agriculture and all it encompasses, including fresh local produce, vegan food, value-added products, an animal petting farm, and wholesome fruit drinks and blends. For those who enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean from high amid untapped nature and surrounded by Rastafarian and African Caribbean culture, music, arts, and crafts, the “Bordeaux Fair,” as it is often nicknamed, is a creative way to spend the day with good, nourishing food, music, dance, arts, and crafts. Daily entry remains affordable at only $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 11 and under.
While some vendors may have digital payment options, the event is mainly cash-only.
For these farmers who toil the soil year-round in the Caribbean climate, this is an opportunity to come together and showcase naturally organic produce and value-added items as an example of what is possible when working with very little on mountainous terrain through terracing and other sustainable methods. Although their bimonthly markets open on the second and last Sundays, this annual fair showcases the full impact of their love and work.
On and in front of the stage, a combination of educational and entertaining presentations and performances will be held. Positive poetry, music, and educational or inspirational messages fill the air all weekend.
Educational workshops, presentations, and demonstrations from specialists in various agricultural fields teach sustainable methods. Arts & crafts vendors display their creative uses of what comes from the food, fiber, or other value added products.
Community edutainment is available throughout the day at the Youth and Family Activity Center, where Maria “Irieah” Stiles leads hands-on, make-and-take activities that raise awareness and strengthen the community through the arts and agriculture.
FREE TRANSPORTATION: Roadside Parking Also Available
A free shuttle will be available from the Nisky Center and UVI bus stops to the fair in Bordeaux and back using the following schedule for both days:
Leaving town at 10 am, 12 pm & 2 pm
Leaving the fair at 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm & 7 pm
Those attending the fair can be dropped off at any of the various bus stops in town along the route on the return trip. Please note that Sunday’s last scheduled return trip is at 7 p.m., although the musical concert ends at
midnight that day.
FEATURED GUEST SPEAKERS:
This year’s featured guest presenter is Bonnetta Adeeb of the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance (UCFA). Ujamaa’s work in seed security and seed farming is centered on increasing diversity within the $1.5 billion U.S. heirloom seed market by empowering historically marginalized communities.
Formed in 2021 as a program of the non-profit STEAM ONWARD, Inc., UCFA focuses on increasing the number of BIPOC growers participating in heirloom seed farming.
Their work can be summarized through the following key areas:
•Agro-biodiversity and Resilience
•Economic Empowerment
•Conservation through Education
•Cultural Preservation
In essence, Ujamaa treats seeds not just as a commodity but as a living library of cultural heritage. By teaching marginalized growers to “read” and replicate these volumes, they ensure that the story of global food diversity remains written for future generations.
Also presenting will be representatives from Black Sustainability, Inc. (BSI).
The Black Sustainability Network is the world’s largest collection of Black/African sustainability practitioners, organizations, and enthusiasts. We gather yearly for the Black Sustainability Summit and offer training and workshops throughout the year.
We’ve developed a custom platform for our global community that helps:
• Amplify: Raise awareness of Black-led, environmental organizations, solutions and projects in Black communities
• Connect: Increases visibility for qualified climate solution providers with a global, searchable map and member profiles
• Educate: Preserve indigenous wisdom and provide culturally relevant sustainability education (virtually and in-person)
This platform creates a unified space where Black and Green practitioners and organizations can exchange knowledge, collaborate, and support sustainable development efforts in Africa and throughout the African diaspora.
At the fair Black Sustainability, Inc. will showcase our AfroEcology programming & promote our AfroIndigenous seed banking initiative. We will have educational materials on seed banking and farmer support workshops.
Visit their booth to take our quick AfroEcology survey with chance to win $100!
As the world’s largest network connecting Black/African Sustainability champions, we bring together organizations, professionals, and passionate advocates making real environmental change! Our vibrant community unites annually at the Black Sustainability Summit, plus year-round workshops that spark innovation
***Special recognition will be made to Mary Joe Williams for her years of
support for We Grow Food, Inc.
FOOD VENDORS:
Blazing by the Sea – Raga
Health Snacks on Wheels – Milford Callwood
God’s Healing Hands – Verona Carter
Margaret Moore’s Delicious Patties Homemade Goods
Craving VI – Jakeba Hamid
Local Drinks – Rosemund Thomas
Veggie 2.0 – Kadabrah Petersen
Taste of Royalty – Empress Addaliah Potter
Cake Creation and Party Explosion – Charis Rhymer
LoveLivin VI – Diann Love
Speedy Redemption – Speedy I
Ilah Palace/Yabba’s – Zimba
Queen Bees – Nash West
Baked Goods – Avril Freeman
Ital Dub Shop – Ras Nashamba I
V’s Healthy Delights – Vivanne Thomas
Francie Ralph & Algelo “Black Guard” Williams
ARTS & CRAFTS VENDORS:
Virgin Islands Exotic Touch – Pamela Jurgen
For the Love of Sugar – Blanca Bradshaw
Passion and Journey Handcrafted Arts
Nzeeba Rabsatt – Arts & Crafts
Harmony Body & Bath – Linda Bailey
Natural 365 – Cecille Andrew
BJ Design – Sista B
Mariposa African Basket – Cherokee Lewis
Rockstone Culture Shop – Ras Ijah
Unified Creations – Trish Taylor
Fyahrootz In-cient Scents – Aiva Swan & Jennifer Grant
New African Market Khaddijah Joof
Ras Bobby Herbal Products – Ras Bobby Olivacce
FARMERS:
VI Honeyman- Psyche
AgriFest-Farm – Ralph Da Sant
Staff of Life – Derrick Hodge
Camp Umoja/Nia Farms – Alcedo and Anna Francis
Greenridge Guavaberry Farm & Meder Mogzit Farm – Benita Martin
Dreadroots Farm – Delano Ras Cubu Francis
Mother Nature Farm – Selah, Brother,
Aswad Myers
Fresh Farm – Valerie Price Jones
Bottom Road Farm – Zeba
Paradise Health Man/Valley Farm
Bordeaux for the Better – Charles Leonard
Allamby Farm – Rudolph Allamby
Benjamin Family Farm
Culture
Organic West Farm – Wadeh Webbe
Webbe Williams
Sylvester Amaha Hamilton
Strength and Courage Farm – Kamayo and Karanja
Itege – Puerto Rican farm (plants and trees)
Spell
Alpha and Omega Body Oils soap and Incense – Christine Griffin
Cashmere – Coraline Greenaway
Arts & Crafts – Sandy Francis
Victory Farm – Julie Dempsey Herbal Products
Rasta & African items – Jahshe
WELLNESS AREA (next to the family activity center):
Reflexology, acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care.
The King’z Touch – Ryan Green
Royal Soul Connections – Empress Addaliah Potter
Ayo’s Wellness and Petersen Farm – Binta Petersen
Acupuncture LLC – Eric Namaky
Paradise Chiropractic
EDUCATION:
Some activities include:
•Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be doing “Ask An Expert” Consultation outreach in the Youth and Family Center
•Dr. Amy Dreves, the VI Bug Lady of the UVI SOA CES, will present on Integrated Pest Management
•Eldridge (Sparks) Thomas will do a grafting demonstration, which he also does bi-weekly throughout the year
PROGRAM & ENTERTAINMENT:
The program includes opening blessings, including the Rastafari Creed, a welcome from the WGFI President Ras Cubu, and a tribute to Kulcha Bearers.
Performances include Echo People, PanFusion Steel Orchestra, Pan Round De Neck, Bamboula Dancers, and an African Fashion Show from New Africa Market (Barbel Plaza). There will be a presentation to the Farmer of the Year, “Selah…” of Mother Nature Farm; grafting and composting presentations; Coal Pot Competition (both days); Open Mic Poetry Korner; Kultural Fashion Show; and educational presentations.
Confirmed entertainment includes Sista Joyce, Reggae Dynasty, Lava, Ras Abijah and the Quelbe Ressurection band, Ambassador 7, Young Souljahs, I Grade Sound, Danny I, Mada Nile, and many more.
YOUTH/FAMILY ACTIVITY CENTER:
There’s always something fun, educational, and creative to do, from planting, clay play, coloring, beading, and games, including Basket Weaving with Roots Alive Cultural Arts, facilitated by Sistah Irieah Maria Aurora Stiles, a Bamboula workshop Saturday at 2 p.m. with Majestik Freedom Estrada-Petersen, who will also offer face painting on both days.
All information on the program, vendors, educational workshops or presentations, entertainment, and the full activity center schedule for both days will be available on the website’s blog once finalized at https://wegrowfoodinc.org/f/2026-fair-press-release.
FAIR CONTACT INFO:
For more information, call or text 305-318-5977 and email
info@wegrowfoodinc.org. Visit www.wegrowfoodinc.org and follow
@wegrowfoodinc on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
