The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is preparing to host a community conversation on regenerative agriculture.

Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Honourable Dr. Karl Dawson said regenerative agriculture seeks among other things, to rehabilitate soil, use water efficiently and to have a positive impact on climate change.

Honourable Dr. Dawson said, “The aim of the community conversation is to take an informed look at issues in relation to effective agriculture including regenerative agricultural approaches.”

He added, “While there will be a presentation, the power behind the experience will be the opportunity for various farmers to share their experiences and build a learning network of farmers throughout the Territory. Such a network will be key to the revitalisation of agriculture in the Territory.”

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 13 as part of activities to mark Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market 2024 being observed under the theme, “Sow the Seeds of Sustainability: Youth Fueling Food Security”. The session is geared towards farmers but is also opened to the public.

The session will be moderated by Founder and Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition Mrs. Sommer Sibilly-Brown of the US Virgin Islands who is a consultant and leading advocate for the development of a robust local food system in the Virgin Islands.

The regenerative presentation will be made by Agroecologist and farmer Ms. Nea Talbot of Full Belly Farm, Mount Fertile in Tortola who also has a strong interest in traditional farming methods.

Other presenters will include local farmers Johanna Marrugo of Rasta Livity Farms, Virgin Gorda; Aragorn Dick-Read of Good Moon Farm, Dr. Latisha Martin of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Gregory and Marreth Smith District Northside Farm.

All participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences in facilitated break- out groups.

The session will take place in Lecture Room 2 in the L Adorothy Turnbull Building at the Elmore Stoutt High School from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Other activities to highlight Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market include:

• Tortola Exhibition and Market - March 16 and 17
• Students’ session, Agricultural Education Options - March 20
• Jost Van Dyke Exhibition and Market; Virgin Islands Products Gourmet Dinner-Tortola - March 23 
• Tortola Farm Tours; Virgin Gorda Wahoo Mania Fishing Tournament – March 30

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is responsible for ensuring food is safe, nutritionally sound, produced and harvested in an environmentally sustainable manner that builds resilience to internal and external shocks while contributing to the economic growth, social well-being and protection of the natural environment.