Press Release
Organisation: Agriculture and Fisheries Department
Release Date: 25 March, 2026
The Government of the Virgin Islands is continuing its mission to strengthen the Territory’s food sovereignty by emphasising the vital importance of the local agriculture and fisheries sectors. Under the theme, “Farming the Land, Fishing the Seas, Nourishing Lives and Legacies,” officials are calling on all farmers and fishers to scale up production and showcase the bounty of the islands during the 2026 Agricultural Exhibition and Market, which opens early next month.
Premier and Minister responsible for Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, said this year’s event serves as a critical platform for local producers to boost their visibility and for the community to reconnect with the traditions that sustain the Virgin Islands. He emphasised the government’s steadfast support for the industry, stating, “Our farmers and fishers are the backbone of our resilience. By continuing to invest in and emphasise the importance of this sector, we are not just growing food; we are securing our future. I encourage all our local producers to take this opportunity to boost their output and join us in nourishing the lives and legacies of the Virgin Islands.”
The 2026 celebrations will commence with the Opening Ceremony and Harvest Parade/Procession at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Paraquita Bay, Tortola, on 10th April 2026 at 4:00 p.m. The activities will then move to the Road Town Festival Grounds for the Exhibition and Market on 11th and 12th April, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of fun activities and learning opportunities designed for the entire family, including various competitions, games, and displays of agricultural produce and animals, interactive demonstrations and live musical entertainment.
Registration is now officially open for vendors and those wishing to enter the Livestock and Crop competitions.
Interested participants are encouraged to register to participate in the parade/procession by completing the form at https://forms.gle/x4Gsk9xmhzSXTu6a7 by the deadline of Friday, 27th March 2026 or contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.