Mr James said the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will host Farmers and Fishers’ Week this year from March 18 to the 23 under the theme “Farmers and Fishers: Building the Third Pillar of the Economy”.

He said, "The community continues to step up to support these sectors and we are encouraged that Farmers and Fishers’ Week will continue to advance."

According to a press release from Government Information Services (GIS) on March 15, 2023, the Director also expressed gratitude to the staff at the Department, the local farming and fishing community, schools and private sector partners for successfully organising the week’s activities which will commence with an opening ceremony and panel discussion by integral industry partners and government agencies on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the exhibition grounds at Paraquita Bay.

Permanent Secretary in the Premier's Office, Mrs Carolyn E. Stoutt-Igwe, reiterated the strategic importance of the farming and fishing sectors in contributing to the overall economic development of the Territory.

Farmers needed for 'resilient economy'- Stoutt-Igwe

Mrs Stoutt Igwe said, "Farmers and Fishers' Week is the time to celebrate our producers, the hardworking farmers and fishermen who put healthy food on our plates. Our economy cannot be resilient without them."

Farmers and Fishers' Exhibitions and Market Days will take place on Tortola on March 18 and 19, Jost van Dyke on March 20 and Virgin Gorda on March 21. The weekend-long exhibition and market days on Tortola will feature various exhibitions, pumpkin soup and gooseberry stew competitions, livestock displays, sale of food, live entertainment and games.

On the island of Anegada, a chicken coop will be installed at the Claudia Creque Educational Centre to serve as a practical educational tool for the youth, to ensure that young people are actively engaged in the agricultural and fisheries sector in the Virgin Islands.

The week-long activities will conclude at the Elmore Stoutt High School with a school garden exhibition, and a sampling segment of the school’s garden produce.

Farmers and Fishers’ Week is an annual event organised by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to celebrate farmers and fishers and sensitise the community of the invaluable contributions of these sectors.