Local government — St. Croix
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VIDOA Offers Grant Opportunities Through Crop Block Program
Farmers and the general public are invited to attend meetings to share information on grant funding opportunities available through the VIDOA. The meetings will be held on Thursday, May 10 on St. Thomas and on Monday, May 14 on St. Croix, according to a press release issued Wednesday by the V.I. Department of Agriculture.
As part of its 2012 Specialty Crop Block Grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the department is soliciting sub grant proposals from the community to address two areas of local concern, which will increase food production throughout the territory
Farmers and other residents may participate in the VIDOA’s Fruit Orchard Establishment project by submitting proposals for consideration. The goal of this project is to systematically increase the number of fruit tree plantings throughout the territory for fresh fruit consumption, as well as value added processing. Interested persons may also submit proposals for participation in the Urban Agriculture or Urban Food Production program, which is designed to encourage collective food production initiatives in residential areas.
“These two programs represent local initiatives supported by funding from the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Each year, as we apply for continued funding, we seek to enhance local farm operations and increase food production for the benefit of the entire community,” said Commissioner Petersen.
All interested persons are invited to attend two scheduled meetings to discuss the application procedure and requirements for participation in these programs. On St. Thomas, the meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, at the conference room of the UVI Cooperative Extension Service. A second meeting will be held on St. Croix from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, May 14, at the Curriculum Center in Kingshill.
For more information, contact the Department of Agriculture at 774-5182 or 778-0998.
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