Funding Mix-Up at OMB Diverts Food and Farm Council Money to UVI Entity, Leaving Council Underfunded

A mix-up at the Office of Management and Budget has resulted in funding earmarked for the Local Food and Farm Council being directed to an “entity at UVI” instead of the rightful recipient.  “The reality is this, OMB actually did release the monies, but it never came to us,” said Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Louis Petersen. He appeared before the Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture on Monday, where he told lawmakers that the money intended for his department remains inaccessible.  An amendment to Act 8979 providing instructions to reappropriate the funding to the Council, was signed on December 19, 2024. However, the funds reportedly remain at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Office of Sponsored Programs.  Meanwhile, the Food and Farm Council – tasked with strengthening farming, fishing, and food security in the territory – is beleaguered by insufficient funding to accomplish its eight mandates.  Chief among them is the need to hire a Local Food and Farm Coordina...