Virgin Islands DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
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Agriculture Development
 

The Agriculture Development Division works with farmers to transform overgrown, cleared or uncultivated land into a field that’s suitable for planting row crops. The Agriculture Development Division also deserves full credit for transforming the Department of Agriculture grounds into the annual Agriculture and Food Fair of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the process of which involves assembling tents, arranging food and commercial booths, as well as grounds preparation and maintenance. The Agriculture Development Division has three sections that work together to provide services to local farmers for the productions of food and fiber. These sections are:

  • Food Production - Provides subsidized land preparation services and hay baling for farmers and livestock owners in the Territory. 
  • Heavy Equipment Maintenance - Provides vital maintenance services for machinery used in land preparation as well as VIDOA vehicles. 
  • Building and Grounds Maintenance - Provides general maintenance and repairs to all Department structures and grounds occupied by the Department grounds.

Job Order Process for Agricultural Services:
The proper procedure for applying for land preparation services is as follows:

  1. Download Jobs Services Application or pick up this form in the Administrative Building Rm. # 8
  2. Fill out pertinent information (Name, Address, etc.) on Job Order for Services form
  3. Check services desired
  4. Clerk gives an estimated cost of services
  5. Take the application to the cashier and make a payment of fifty (50%) percent which (required at the time of application submission).
  6. The application is then forwarded to the land preparation office to schedule either an estimate visit or the land preparation service desired.

Bulldozing: Used to clear land of trees, bush etc…..

Grass/Brush cutting: The mowing of grass, shrubbery etc.

Plowing: The cultivation of soil in preparation for sowing seeds or planting. The primary purpose of plowing is to turn over the upper layer of the soil, bringing fresh nutrients to the surface, while burying weeds and the remains of previous crops, allowing them to break down. It also aerates the soil, and allows it to hold moisture better.

Disc Harrowing: Used to break up clods and lumps of soil and to provide a finer finish, a good tilth or soil structure that is suitable for seeding and planting operations.

Banking (Farrowing): Plows the soil and creates a bank to enable people to plant different ground foods.

Tilling: The agricultural preparation of the soil by plowing, ripping, or turning it. It helps in the growth of microorganisms and a worm present in the soil and thus, maintains the fertility of the soil. It helps in the mixing of organic matter (humus) and nutrients evenly throughout the soil. It is used for destroying weeds

Auger Post Hole Digging: Implement used to dig holes for the erection of fence lines for crop farm farming or lifestyle farming.

Raking: Raking of harvested crop (grass) in windrows to be picked up by the baler.

Hay Bailing: Bailer picks up the windrows and makes round bales.

Water Delivery:

Tent Rental and Assembly:

 
DIVISIONS
Administration
Agriculture Development
Mechanical Equipment
Veterinarian Health Services
Abattoir
Horticulture Nursery
Forestry
Soil and Water Conservation
Marketing
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To protect the health of the Virgin Islands livestock and poultry populations, Virgin Islands animal health officials, farmers and animal owners must be able to quickly and effectively trace an animal disease to its source. The NAIS provides the funding and expertise to VIDOA Veterinary Services to help farmers and owners to protect their animals.When a disease outbreak occurs, VIDOA animal health officials need to know:Which animals are involved in a disease outbreakWhere the infected animals are currently locatedWhat other animals might have been exposed to the diseaseWhich

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