The Department of Agriculture has visited and reviewed the concept of introducing a greenhouse project, which will allow cash crops to be grown consistently on a larger scale.

This latest move is part of a plan by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour to address the demand of locally grown produce, Chief Agriculture Officer, Bevin Braithwaithe told Standpoint in a recent interview.

Construction of three greenhouses is projected to begin year-end.

‘I’ve been informed that two will be constructed in Paraquita Bay and one on Virgin Gorda,” Braithwaithe disclosed.

Permanent Secretary with the Ministry, Clyde Lettsome acknowledged this, but explained because the project is in the planning stages he’s unable to divulge at the moment. However, he promised to provide more information to the public within the next two weeks.

Enthused about the initiative, Braithwaite noted the viability of the initiative would augur well for the Territory. He frankly stated that almost everything is imported.

“Let’s be honest, the demand for fruits and vegetable are in high demand,” he pointed out.

In explaining the procedure of the greenhouse initiative, Braithwaite said, “We will be growing cash crops in a controlled environment free from pests and insects, and all other nutrients will be infused via irrigation system. Solar panels will be installed to regulate and protect the amount of sunlight to the crops.

Meanwhile, the 2008 budget had set aside $100,000 for the development of agriculture through greenhouse initiatives.

This allowed the Minister of Natural Resources and Labour, Omar Hodge, to travel to Dominican Republic to look at the technology, learn how to teach it to local farmers, and incorporate it in the Virgin Islands agriculture sector. 

Hodge said developing the “third pillar” of the economy would be important during worldwide food shortages and in an economic crisis.

“This technology will be placed in a very short time and I am convinced that we will be able to produce cash corps and there will be a time when we will be able to export crops to other Virgin Islands,” Hodge had said.

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