The V.I. Department of Agriculture (VIDOA), in partnership with the Office of the Governor, farmers, the Department of Tourism, and the UVI Cooperative Extension Service, invites the general public to join in the celebration of National Agriculture Week from March 14 – 18. The theme for this year’s observance is “VI Agriculture: Your Food – Your Farmer.”This celebration seeks to promote awareness of the importance of agriculture and bring attention to the many areas of professional work in the industry. Throughout the territory, a series of activities have been planned, including radio program interviews, market days, and open house activities.
Market Days will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, at the Sanderilla Thomas Bungalow in the Rothschild Francis Square in downtown St. Thomas, and Wednesday, March 16, at the National Park Ball Field in downtown Cruz Bay, St. John. On Thursday, March 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be an Open House Program at the Rudolph Schulterbrandt Agriculture Complex on St. Croix.
The Market Day and Open House activities will feature the sale of fresh commodities, value added products, grafting, beekeeping, and box garden demonstrations. The Open House Program will also offer displays and presentations by the various VIDOA divisions, including hay baling and land preparation. Presentations by staff of the UVI Cooperative Extension Service will focus on container gardening, farm safety and small livestock security.
The Department of Agriculture and its partners encourage students, teachers and the general public to come out and celebrate National Agriculture Week — learn about the agricultural services and programs available to producers in the territory while purchasing fresh, nutritious, wholesome food from V.I. farmers.
For additional information, contact Audrey Browne at telephone number 778-0997/8 ext. 228 or via e-mail at audrey.browne@doa.vi.gov .
