V.I. Department of Agriculture Secures Federal Grant as Part of "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" National Campaign

Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. said today that the Virgin Islands is among the states and territories of the United States which were awarded federal grant money for agriculture projects. “Developing a local food system that spurs economic opportunity such as this initiative and the grant money provided is part of achieving this goal,” de Jongh said as he announced the award totaling $163,169.73. 

The initiative is known as “Know your Farmer, Know Your Food” and is part of a campaign to promote healthy eating and the growth of specialty crops markets by expanding access to fresh, local foods. The program also emphasizes the need for a fundamental and critical reconnection between the consumer and the food producers. 

Since May of this year, the VI Department of Agriculture has been working with an inter-agency task force from the USDA to align existing programs. The focus is on addressing the needs of local and regional food systems; conducting outreach activities; helping communities build local food systems by providing new initiatives and engaging the American public in conversation about local and regional agriculture. 

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