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June 27, 2007 News briefs from the Department of Agriculture Department of Agriculture Identifies Farmland for St. Johnians The VI Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, and the Department of Property and Procurement announce the availability of land for farming purposes on the island of St. John. Commissioner of Agriculture, Louis E. Petersen, Jr. Ph.D. notes that four acres of land which are adjacent to the office of the Department of Agriculture in Coral Bay will be subdivided and rented to interested and qualified parties for crop production purposes. A meeting will be held during the month of July for individuals and groups that are interested in participating in this initiative. This goal of this project is to enhance the production of fresh, nutritious food as well as stimulate economic activity on the island of St. John. For additional information please call the VIDOA at 776-6274 or 774-5182. Commissioner of Agriculture Elected to Regional Post During the recently held meeting of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Louis E. Petersen, Jr. Ph.D. was elected as Secretary of this prestigious organization. This annual activity provides an opportunity for networking and information exchange among Commissioners of Departments of Agriculture throughout the southern region. Dr. Petersen’s election to this post is a remarkable accomplishment considering that the 2007 meeting marked his first time attending this annual meeting which was held in Nashville, Tennessee June 17 – 20. Dr. Petersen plans to host this meeting in the Virgin Islands in the near future. The association membership consists of fifteen Southern States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Beekeeping Workshops The VI Department of Agriculture in partnership with the UVI Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a week long series of workshops for persons interested in learning about the art and science of Beekeeping. These sessions commenced on Saturday, June 23 and will conclude on Sunday July 1st. Sessions will be held on all three islands. For additional information regarding the scheduled activities please call 693-1080 or 774-5182. The Department of Agriculture encourages the development of a Beekeeping industry in the territory. |
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