Governor Bryan Advocates for Health-Focused Food Stamp Program and Strong Support for USVI Agriculture in New Farm Bill

During a pivotal session at the National Governors Association’s 2024 Winter Meeting in Washington, Governor Albert Bryan of the U.S. Virgin Islands took center stage to voice the pressing needs of the territory’s agriculture sector and propose innovative solutions. As the co-chair of the Community Investment Task Force, Bryan emphasized the unique challenges and opportunities that the U.S. Virgin Islands faces, particularly the stark reality that a mere 3% of the food consumed in the territory is produced locally.

Governor Bryan has ambitiously set a target to elevate this figure to 35% by 2040, aiming to tackle the high costs and accessibility issues surrounding food for island residents. The path to achieving this goal is fraught with obstacles, including the scarcity of crop insurance, the harsh realities of climate change, and the devastation left by hurricanes in 2017 that severely damaged the territory’s infrastructure and natural resources. Bryan’s advocacy for the upcoming federal Farm Bill to include measures that bolster the agricultural resurgence in the Virgin Islands was a focal point of his address.

Highlighting the significance of recognizing and integrating U.S. territories in national efforts, Bryan remarked, “Part of this is about inclusiveness, remembering that the territories are part of America, they’re your America.” He pointed out the current exclusion of Virgin Islands farmers from federal crop insurance programs as a critical area for reform.

Bryan applauded the efforts made since the 2018 Farm Bill, such as the Local Agriculture Market Program and the creation of regional food business centers supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These initiatives have been instrumental in enhancing local food systems and resilience, further buoyed by the financial backing from the American Rescue Plan Act.

In a move to address broader societal issues, Governor Bryan praised the USDA’s summer EBT program, which ensures children receiving school lunch assistance continue to have access to meals during the summer break. He underscored the multifaceted impact of poverty, which affects both the economic and mental well-being of children and families. Advocating for a revision of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Bryan proposed a transformative approach where benefits would be restricted to healthier food options. This initiative aims to pivot consumer habits away from processed and unhealthy foods towards more nutritious choices, thereby fostering a healthier nation.

As anticipation grows for the new farm bill, set to replace the expiring legislation this September, Governor Bryan’s vision for the future of agriculture in the U.S. Virgin Islands is clear. He seeks comprehensive support for the territory’s farmers and ranchers, as well as initiatives to engage the youth with agriculture, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with the land as a fundamental aspect of life.