Inspector General Report Reveals $4.1 Million Funding Gap in Agriculture Revolving Fund

A recent inspection conducted by the Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General (OIG) uncovered a significant funding shortfall in the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture’s Revolving Fund. According to the report, over the six-year period from fiscal years 2016 to 2021, VIDA did not receive $4.125 million in funding mandated by law, impacting its ability to fulfill annual goals and its broader mission​. The Agriculture Revolving Fund, established under Virgin Islands law, is designed to support agricultural development, including purchasing equipment, seeds, and fertilizers, as well as promoting farming initiatives. According to the report, VIDA did not receive $2.125 million from the General Fund or $2 million from the Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund during the inspection period​. The Inspector General noted several reasons for the funding shortfall, including failure to submit required funding requests on time, lack of awareness among VIDA staff about funding protocols,...