Garden Programme producing fresh, organic food in District 7 - District 7 Garden Programme promotes food security & nutrition

LONG LOOK, Tortola, VI- Fresh, organic food is being produced in District 7, as a direct result of the success of the District 7 Garden Programme.

According to a press release from the 7th District Committee on January 25, 2022, the programme, which was launched last May, is well underway with 13 participants growing various “quick” crops under the tutelage of local agriculture expert and entrepreneur Mrs Arona Fahie-Forbes.

Commenting on the progress made with the programme, Deputy Premier, and Representative for the Seventh District, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said, “I am delighted to see not only the crops growing, but also excited to know it is the direct result of the learning taking place. It is proof that participants are not only learning theory, they are actually putting into practice the agricultural principles being taught.”

Food security

The overarching vision of the programme is to increase and improve food security, entrepreneurship, volunteerism and the physical and mental wellbeing of under-resourced residents of District 7.

One major goal is to diversify economic opportunities for residents, the press release stated.

To that end, Honourable Wheatley further commented, “Programme participants are also learning the business side of agriculture as they prepare their crops for a ‘market day’ later this year, where they will package, price and promote their goods.”

The agriculture minister said this particular aspect of the programme will provide both economic and food security to participants.