The initiative came through land leases signed to support food production via the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries, and Agriculture with businesses that approached the government for support.

Dubbed the ‘Paraquita Bay Agriculture Project,” the Government in 2020 embarked on a food security drive following the advent of COVID-19 and disruptions in food supplies as well as food shortages at the start of the pandemic.

“The poultry operation has doubled the company’s chicken capacity from 20,000 to 40,000 chickens and is providing greater food security for the Virgin Islands. The completion of this project is said to be progress towards revitalizing the Territory’s agriculture sector,” a release from the Government noted.

In November 2020, Subject Minister and Deputy Premier, Dr The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the VI must be ready for any food shortages that occur internationally.

Gov't says it will support sustainable farming in VI

While the KNP Poultry farm headquartered in Josiah's Bay has doubled its capacity for Proprietor Albert Pickering, one other local business owner, Bishop John I. Cline of Infinite Eco Solutions Ltd is exploring aquaponics opportunities via fish & food farming through the overall land agreement lease signed in March 2020.

In November 2020, Subject Minister and Deputy Premier, Dr The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the VI must be ready for any food shortages that occur internationally.

Dr Wheatley vowed that the Government will be working to revitalize both the agriculture and the local fishing sectors in addition to providing support for sustainable farming in the Virgin Islands.

“We spend lots and lots of money importing food, if we spend that money internally, it can circulate in our own economy and provide jobs and provide livelihoods in the VI,” he said.

Dr Natalio D. Wheatley vowed that the Government will be working to revitalise both the agriculture and the local fishing sectors to provide more opportunities.