The release of the 2023 Census of Agriculture data for the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) provides a comprehensive snapshot of the territory’s agricultural landscape, offering valuable insights for stakeholders, investors, and policymakers.
The data reveals a positive trend in the number of farms, with a 54-farm increase since the last census, totaling 619 farms. This growth indicates a burgeoning interest in agriculture, potentially driven by increased awareness of food security, local food movements, and entrepreneurial opportunities. However, the average farm size remains relatively small at 13.1 acres, suggesting that the growth in the number of farms may be due to new, smaller operations rather than expansion of existing ones.
The total value of sales reached $4.2 million, with an average of $6,787 per farm. While this figure represents a modest economic impact, it underscores the potential for growth and investment. The dominance of vegetable production, accounting for $2.2 million in sales, highlights the suitability of the region’s climate and soil for horticultural crops. This could attract investors interested in high-value, quick-turnaround crops, as well as those looking to support local food systems and reduce import dependency.
The census data serves as a crucial tool for shaping policies, allocating resources, and supporting the growth and sustainability of agriculture in the USVI. For investors, this data provides a roadmap for identifying opportunities and understanding the unique challenges of the region. The small average farm size and modest sales values may indicate a need for investment in infrastructure, technology, and market access to help farms scale and increase profitability.
Moreover, the data can inform decisions related to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, which are critical for the USVI given its vulnerability to natural disasters. Investments in resilient infrastructure, crop diversification, and risk management strategies can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.
For the agricultural sector, the census data underscores the importance of continued support for research, extension services, and education to improve farming techniques, equipment, and production systems. The data also highlights the need for investments in infrastructure, such as high-speed internet, to enhance market access, supply chain efficiency, and farm management practices.
In summary, the 2023 Census of Agriculture data for the USVI presents a mixed picture of opportunity and challenge. For investors, the data provides a valuable starting point for understanding the agricultural landscape and identifying potential investment opportunities. For the agricultural sector, the data underscores the need for continued support and investment to foster growth, sustainability, and resilience.
