The new agriculture and fisheries grant policy is aimed at empowering farmers and fishers to access the tools, equipment, infrastructure, and resources needed to enhance production and bring food to market. Under this new grant, farmers and fishers can receive gardening tools, fishing nets, boats, and animal pens. Photo: Internet Source

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has announced that a total of $388,826.66 will be disbursed to 35 farmers and fishers under the new agriculture grant recently introduced by the government. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Honourable Wheatley announced this during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Agriculture & Fisheries Exhibition and Market on Friday, April 12, 2026.

The new agriculture and fisheries grant policy is aimed at empowering farmers and fishers to access the tools, equipment, infrastructure, and resources needed to enhance production and bring food to market. Under this new grant, farmers and fishers can receive gardening tools, fishing nets, boats, and animal pens. “These grants are designed to strengthen production and expand opportunity,” he stated.

Farmers approved for first round 

The premier added, “I’m now pleased to announce that we received a total of 143 applications under this program following a thorough review process conducted by the committee, approved by Cabinet, 18 farmers and 17 fishers have been approved as awardees in this first round and I must emphasise just a first round, the 35 approved farmers and fishers will receive a total of $388,826.66.”

Honourable Wheatley noted, "That’s just a portion of the $500,000 we project to invest in this program this year alone, and perhaps we’ll even push for more than that $500,000.”

Names will be officially published 

He further stated that the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will officially publish the awardees in the coming days to ensure transparency and proper use of funds. He also congratulated the new awardees, stating that this represents “the strength, resilience, and future of agriculture and fisheries in our territory". 

The two-day Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market concluded on Sunday, April 12, 2026.