BVI Explores White Potato Production
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Premier’s Office and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, is moving to develop a sustainable white potato production programme following the participation of two local farmers in a regional seminar in Dominica. Officials say the department will work with regional partners, source seed potatoes and equipment, and begin pilot trials early next year to reduce dependence on imports and boost local food security.
The Government of the Virgin Islands is taking steps to develop a sustainable white potato production programme after two local farmers attended a regional Capacity Building for White Potato Production and Marketing seminar in Dominica from 1–3 December 2025. The three-day seminar was organised by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and brought together agricultural experts and practitioners from across the Eastern Caribbean to share knowledge on cultivation, marketing and best practices.
Data presented at the seminar from the International Trade Centre (ITC) showed that OECS countries imported 8,890 tonnes of white potatoes in 2024, with an estimated value of about US$7.6 million — an import bill that officials say presents a market opportunity for the Territory. The Virgin Islands was represented at the workshop by farmers Leon Queeley and Vincent Frett.
Both returned with practical recommendations for local trials and wider collaboration. "White potatoes have strong potential for development in the Virgin Islands," Mr Queeley told officials and media, pointing to fertile soil and a committed group of local farmers who could develop the crop with proper planning and technical support.
Farmer Vincent Frett, who described the event as "a really good workshop," urged government action. "We need proper equipment and access to potato seeds to start a pilot project. While the cold season is ideal for planting, we can also try test planting in certain moist areas. We eat a lot of white potatoes and producing them locally will help reduce imports," he said, remarks reported by the Premier's Office through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Director of Agriculture and Fisheries Theodore James confirmed the department is already collaborating with regional partners and will meet with the attending farmers early in the new year to develop guidelines and a strategic plan for white potato production. According to the Department (Premier's Office), the plan will seek to apply lessons learned elsewhere in the Caribbean and tailor them to local conditions.
Officials identified several regional and international partners who can provide expertise and technical support, including the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Next steps outlined by the department include establishing a pilot project, sourcing seed potatoes and appropriate equipment, finalising a timeline for field trials, and providing training for local farmers. The initiative is being framed as part of the government's broader aims to improve food security, support local agriculture, protect the environment and create economic opportunities for Virgin Islanders.
If successful, local white potato production could reduce import dependence and capture a portion of local consumer demand that currently drives the multi-million-dollar import bill reported by the ITC. Officials say further details and timelines will be released after the early-year meetings with the farmers and regional partners.
Primary source: BVI Government