Grand Opening of Virgin Islands Agriculture Business Center in St. Thomas on January 18

The University of the Virgin Islands, in a synergistic partnership with the V.I. Small Business Development Center (VI SBDC), is poised to inaugurate the St. Thomas branch of the Virgin Islands Agriculture Business Center (VI AgBC) on Thursday, January 18.

This momentous occasion is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Orville E. Kean Campus of the University of the Virgin Islands, particularly at the UVI 13D Research and Strategy Innovation Center in St. Thomas.

The opening of this center marks a significant step in bolstering agricultural productivity within the Virgin Islands. This initiative, emerging from the forward-thinking “2021 Agricultural Plan” as mandated by Act 8404, targets the enhancement of local agriculture. The overarching goal is to establish food security and sovereignty for the Virgin Islands community.

The VI AgBC has been meticulously crafted to empower local farmers and fishers. It provides an array of services at no cost to its clients, as stated by UVI. These services encompass individual consulting, business education, and technical support, all aimed at nurturing the growth of the territory’s agricultural and fishing industries.

Farmers and fishers seeking assistance will find a wealth of resources at the center. These include guidance in obtaining business licenses, crafting business plans, and training to secure financing through diverse channels such as funding, grants, and loans. Moreover, the center will facilitate training in vital business skills such as accounting, bookkeeping, cash flow analysis, and more, all crucial for successful business operations and expansion.

Strategically located to serve clients throughout St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, the VI AgBC will have service centers on each island, staffed with skilled consultants and supportive personnel. This initiative is a key component of a broader effort to steer the territory towards a future of enhanced food security and sovereignty.