Food Security & Sustainability Act passed in HoA
The Food Security and Sustainability Act was passed during the Second Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.
The Act was brought to the House by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) and seeks to establish an effective mechanism to promote food security and sustainability in the Territory.
What does the Act seek to do?
According to a press release from the Government Information Service (GIS), the Act seeks to provide for the establishment, powers and functions of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Virgin Islands Agriculture and Fisheries Authority and respecting the effective administration and management of agriculture and fisheries resources of the Territory.
The Act also speaks to the development and review of the policy for sustainable agricultural production, food security and food safety to ensure that the sound and sustainable production, management and use of food for Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors to the Territory while addressing the impacts from climate change and disasters on food production.
‘Act will help revolutionise food production’ in VI- Dr Wheatley
Honourable Wheatley thanked members of the House and members of the panel who contributed during the committee stage of the deliberation of the Bill.
“I am overjoyed by the passage of this historic bill, which will help revolutionise food production in the Territory by providing an agile and semi-autonomous authority capable of supporting the agricultural and fishing industries while strengthening regulation, data management, research, and oversight,” Honourable Wheatley said.
The Bill is now in its final stage before it can be fully utilised. The next step is for it to be presented to His Excellency, Governor John J. Rankin, CMG to be assented.
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6 Responses to “Food Security & Sustainability Act passed in HoA”
It won’t.
Nevertheless, there are some steps it can take to enhance 1) food security posture, 2)reduce food import bill, 3)improve the multiplier effect in the economy ( keeping more money local), 4)create employment, and 5)produce healthier foods. As such, government must play a critical role in increasing agricultural production by 1) identifying and allocating more land for agricultural production, 2) establish a public education and outreach agricultural production programme, 3) increase water supply to farmers, 4) reduce/waive duty on agricultural equipment, machinery and supplies, 5) expand road network into agricultural areas, 6) conduct workshops on increasing agricultural yield, 7)construct and operate market place for farmers to sell produce, 8) operate a more robust and functional agricultural department, etc. Furthermore, agriculture should a higher profile in ministerial assignment. To me, agriculture may be a better fit under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour..... The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Fishery, Agriculture, etc, is too large. It’s span of control is too extensive. Education is too critical and important to loose any focus. But Crawl Bay, Cooper Island, I from.