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Dept. of Agriculture Stresses Urgency of Self-Sufficiency at 2025 Agrifest
- Nelcia Charlemagne
- February 18, 2025
"Agriculture is too serious of a business, too sacred of a business to be in show business," said Louis Petersen, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, as he welcomed attendees to the 2025 Agriculture and Food Fair. His comments aimed to convey that Agrifest is more than just a showcase of the territory’s agricultural bounty—it serves as a platform to strengthen connections between farmers, vendors, and consumers beyond the three-day event. Mr. Petersen framed his remarks within the territory’s renewed push for agricultural self-sufficiency, praising the collaborative efforts of the Department of Agriculture, the Local Food and Farm Council, and other agricultural organizations over the past year. Among the department’s achievements, he highlighted $500,000 in grants issued to farmers as a major milestone. Looking ahead, Mr. Petersen outlined upcoming initiatives, including new water infrastructure projects, the acquisition of modern farming equipment, and the establishment ...