Farmers, Fishers Must Have Business Plans
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says farmers and fishers will need licences, lease agreements and business plans to access subsidised land, water and grants. He made the announcement on ZBVI's Umoja programme on October 30, 2025, and said a new water policy and a reservoir at Paraquita Bay will support increased food production and food security.
Natalio Wheatley has announced that farmers and fishers seeking government subventions in the Virgin Islands will be required to present licences, lease agreements and a business plan before accessing subsidised land, water or grants. Speaking on the Umoja programme on ZBVI 780 AM on October 30, 2025, Dr Wheatley said the move is intended to ensure that government support is targeted to operations that align with national priorities for food production and security. "The government has land at Paraquita Bay, and other places, and that's partly why we need a license and lease agreement to be able to dictate what takes place on the land," he said.
Dr Wheatley emphasised that applicants must submit a clear business model. "The model that we are looking at is to be able to empower farmers. To be able to occupy the land, or even before they occupy the land, they have to have a business plan. It's not that we just give land and we say do what you're doing," the Premier said.
He added that the government will assess whether proposed activities correspond with its objectives to increase local production and strengthen food security. As part of the package of incentives, the government is developing a new water policy and building a reservoir at Paraquita Bay to improve water availability for agricultural use.
Dr Wheatley said the Recovery and Development Agency has taken on the reservoir project to provide a reliable supply for farmers. "The water policy will basically dictate what that looks like, and what the conditions are to be able to access that," he said. The Premier indicated the government will make land and water available at subsidised — but not free — rates. "Too often Virgin Islanders speak about the fact that farmers should be subsidised; therefore, the government is going to provide land and water at a subsidised rate, but it's not going to be free," he said, adding that the costs will be below commercial rates.
Dr Wheatley also said a forthcoming policy will provide grants and low-interest support to persons who demonstrate they can produce and contribute to local food supply. For BVI residents, the new requirements signal that those seeking assistance should prepare formal business plans and be ready to enter licence or lease arrangements if they want to benefit from government land, water and financial support aimed at boosting local agriculture and fisheries.
Primary source: VINO