Farmers in the USVI working on improving their operations are now eligible to apply for a small grant under the Rural Advancement Foundation International's Caribbean Infrastructure Grant program. 

The program awards farmers in the USVI and Puerto Rico with between $3000 and $5000 “for infrastructure projects that will increase farm viability, support community food sovereignty efforts, preserve traditional and cultural farming practices, as well as assist local food economies,” according to a statement from RAFI.

Eligible projects include those by individual farmers as well as collaborative project by cooperatives, collectives, or farming groups. 

RAFI says “we fund promising on-farm projects that demonstrate an ability to increase farm sustainability, establish new markets for local products and services, develop new uses for existing structures and equipment, add value to existing farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources. We also fund cultural/Heritage projects that are focused on preserving and continuing a specific agrarian tradition and projects that include a proposed activity (educational, technical, community-based, etc.) that benefits other fellow farmers.

The grants are open to those who have at least three years of farming experience, and have been working in their current farming operation for at least two years in the current location. Proposals must include a community education component.

Applicants who have received funds from the program between 2022 and 2024 are excluded from eligibility.

Interested farmers may find more information, and apply for an infrastructure grant, on RAFI's website.