The V.I. Department of Agriculture announced on Wednesday a collaboration with the University of Tennessee to offer farm stress resources and programming to U.S. Virgin Islands farmers through the Southern Ag Exchange Network U.S. Virgin Islands (SAgE-VI) initiative.
Designed to help farmers cope with and reduce stress, SAgE-VI aims to enhance the well-being and productivity of farmers in the territory. As part of this initiative, VIDA and SAgE-VI have announced the launch of the U.S. Virgin Islands Farmer Stress Support Program Application.
The application period for the Farmer Stress Support Program opened on July 1 and will close at 11:59 p.m. on August 1, 2024. Interested farmers can apply online or pick up a paper application at Dept. of Agriculture offices on St. Croix, St. Thomas, or St. John. To be eligible, applicants must be current farmers in the territory with a valid farming license.
The SAgE-VI Farmer Stress Support Program will run from September 2024 to March 2025. Throughout the program, thirty licensed farmers will be selected to participate in various activities designed to alleviate stress and enhance productivity. Participants will receive training, financial assistance, access to technology, and peer learning opportunities. They will also be required to attend biweekly virtual cohort meetings, individual planning sessions, and trainings.
For more information about SAgE-VI and the application process, which is open from July 1 to 11:59 PM on August 1, 2024, please email [email protected] and visit https://doa.vi.gov/sage-vi.
