U.S. Virgin Islands, September 22, 2025 – The Local Food and Farm Council (LFFC) invites farmers, fishers and the local community to attend island-specific town halls this October to learn about progress on the Agricultural Plan, including achievements and key milestones over the last year, as well as next steps. The events, entitled “USVI Agricultural Plan in Action: Together for Our Islands. Our Food. Our Future,” will provide an opportunity to learn updates and participate in important dialog regarding priorities surrounding agriculture and fisheries in the territory, with a focus on sustainability, support and community engagement. They will take place October 6: St. Thomas; October 8: St. Croix; and October 27: St. John.

The LFFC is charged with guiding the implementation of the territorial Agricultural Plan and its eight mandates, which were approved and endorsed by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and ratified by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Progress is vital to advancing food security in the territory, where 97% of the food supply is imported according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization.

“A resilient and equitable food system isn’t built overnight,” said LFFC Co-Chair Dr. Safiya George, President, University of the Virgin Islands. “It demands sustained collaboration, transparent governance, and a shared commitment to putting community needs first.”

“Our work is driven by the belief that those who grow, harvest, and supply our food must have a seat at the table, not just as participants, but as decision-makers shaping the future of farming, fishing and food production in the Virgin Islands,” added Co-Chair Dr. Louis E. Petersen, Jr., Commissioner, Department of Agriculture. “We invite the community to attend and lend their voices.”

Cultivating increased food production not only supports local farmers, fishers and businesses financially, it also leads to fresher, more nutritious food that is less costly for the consumer, while protecting the territory from supply-chain shortages and the waste and pollution associated with importation.

Town Hall Details:

Topic:             USVI Agricultural Plan in Action: “Together for Our Islands. Our Food. Our Future”

Type:              Hybrid

Time:              6 pm – 8 pm AST (In-person preregistration begins at 5:30 pm AST)

Please RSVP for in person attendance: vilocalfoodandfarmcouncil@doa.vi.gov

Dates & Locations:

• St. Thomas – Monday, October 6: University of the Virgin Islands, Orville E. Kean Campus, Laverne E. Ragster Administration & Conference Center (ACC – First Floor Conference Room)
• St. Croix – Wednesday, October 8: University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen Campus, The Great Hall
• St. John – Monday, October 27: Legislature of the Virgin Islands, St. John Annex Conference Room

For Virtual Attendance:

bit.ly/AGPLANACTION or https://zoom.us/j/3850929463?omn=91024063804

Meeting ID: 385 092 9463

The Local Food and Farm Council is made up of 17 members, including Co-Chairs Dr. Louis E. Petersen, Jr. and Dr. Safiya George: Dr. Usman Adamu, Dean and Director of the School of Agriculture, UVI; Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Commissioner, Department of Education (VIDE); Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Commissioner, DPNR; Wayne L. Biggs Jr., CEO, USVI Economic Development Authority; Honorary Farm Members Abeba Sellassie, Ityopia Rootz Farm; Dr. Nate Olive, Ridge to Reef Farm; Edmon Titre, New Breed Farm; Royce Creque, Greenridge Guavaberry Farm; Honorary Fisher Members Winston Ledee and Mavel Maldonado; VIDE Designees Dr. Renee Charleswell, Deputy Commissioner of Curriculum and Instruction, VIDE; Harith Wickrema, President, Island Green Living; and Cydney Meadows, Territorial Director of Sustainability & Agricultural Education, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, VIDE; and DPNR Designees Dr. Nicole Angeli, Director of Fish & Wildlife, DPNR and Dr. Sennai Habtes, Bureau Chief, Fisheries, DPNR.

For more information or to share feedback, please contact 340-693-1003 or vilocalfoodandfarmcouncil@doa.vi.gov. Please visit www.vilocalfoodandfarmcouncil.org.