Premier: Agriculture Plan Coming Soon
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley told reporters that the long‑promised national agriculture plan is nearing completion, but declined to give a firm release date. The plan, first pledged in previous administrations and reiterated at an April exhibition in Paraquita Bay, is intended to modernise farming, expand agro‑processing and strengthen food security in the BVI.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has assured the public that the long‑awaited national agriculture plan will be released soon, but stopped short of providing a specific date. Answering questions at a recent press conference, Dr Wheatley said "the planning is ongoing" and that "persons will see a plan soon." When pressed for timing he replied, "I don’t want to put a date on it, but I can get back to you on that." The document has been in development for several years and was most recently promised to be finalised within weeks after an agriculture exhibition held at Paraquita Bay in April 2025.
That commitment has elapsed, prompting frustration among farmers, industry stakeholders and opposition members who say a formal policy framework is essential to guide investment and recovery in the sector. According to previous statements from the Ministry of Agriculture, the national plan aims to modernise local farming practices, expand agro‑processing, and improve market access for BVI farmers — measures seen as central to strengthening food security and reducing reliance on imported produce.
The absence of a clear, comprehensive policy has been cited as a barrier to progress, particularly in the wake of the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, which destroyed farms and livestock facilities across the territory. Dr Wheatley placed the agriculture plan within a broader government effort to strengthen planning across key sectors.
He noted the administration has begun aligning ministerial priorities with the National Sustainable Development Plan and the budgeting process, and said other sectoral strategies — including an economic plan guided by a newly appointed Economic Advisory Council — are also being developed.
Local farmers and business owners say they need concrete timelines, funding commitments, and clear guidance on land use, irrigation, inputs, and agro‑processing incentives if the sector is to recover and grow. Stakeholders have repeatedly called for public consultation and transparent implementation schedules so that the plan can translate into actionable programmes on the ground.
For residents and industry observers, the immediate expectation is a release date and a public roll‑out that includes stakeholder engagement and details on financing, training and market development. Government officials have indicated that more information will follow, and the BVI community is watching for the formal publication of the document and its practical next steps.
Primary source: BVI News