Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Dr Natalio Wheatley said this was a step in the right direction to further develop the Agriculture and Fisheries industry in the territory.

“I am overjoyed by the passage of this historic bill, which will help revolutionise food production in the territory by providing an agile and semi-autonomous authority capable of supporting the agricultural and fishing industries while strengthening regulation, data management, research, and oversight,” Wheatley said.

Dr Wheatley thanked members of the House and members of the panel who contributed during the committee stage of the deliberation of the Bill.

The Food Security and Sustainability Act seeks to provide for the establishment, powers and functions of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Virgin Islands Agriculture and Fisheries Authority and respect the effective administration and management of agriculture and fisheries resources of the territory.

It also speaks to the development and review of the policy for sustainable agricultural production, food security and food safety to ensure that the sound and sustainable production, management and use of food for Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors to the territory while addressing the impacts from climate change and disasters on food production.