On September 2006, VIFC was awarded $172,950 by USDA Rural Development, a Small Minority Producer Grant. The Small Minority Producer Grant was a technical assistance grant for the development of feasibility and marketing study, and marketing and business plan. The grant also provided a farmers training component for the Co-op's members, the greater agricultural community, and the public.
The development of the studies and business plan was for 1,010 acres of prime farmland on the island of St. Croix. The properties were 750 acres in Estate Lebanon that was formerly Windsor Farm; the 200 acres at the La Reine forage field, used by the now defunct Windsor Farm; and 60 acres at #9 Estate Grange.
The grant has provided market analysis of both local and off-island markets, in order to determine the market potential for local production and the best and most profitable mix of local agricultural products that will be produced to service those markets.
The goal of the Studies was to gather data needed to draft a successful three-year business plan for the agricultural redevelopment of 1,010 acres of land and the launching of a successful and profitable farming operation by the Co-op and its members.
The Co-op has developed a comprehensive strategic plan to reverse the territory’s 42 years of agricultural production and 20 years of agricultural education in the territory and St. Croix, in particular.
VIFC "Operation Breadbasket" plans are in three stages: phase 1 - a farm and farmers market on 60 acres in crop production; phase 2 - the production of high quality hay for improving our livestock production in the territory; and phase 3 - an agro-eco-tourism development upon the successful implementation of phase 1 and 2.
VIFC has 30% of 200 license farmers registered with the VI Department of Agriculture on St, Croix, who are crop and livestock producers. Operation Breadbasket’s goal will increase the territory’s agricultural production and maintain permanent agricultural employment on the island of St. Croix. The implementation of VIFC Strategic Plan will improve the quality of life of all in the United States Virgin Islands, by implementing phase one and two to increase crop, livestock and forage production in the territory.
VIFC is commitment toward the development of the Virgin Islands agricultural industry and producing sustainable locally grown food for the development and improvement of the islands food distribution system and food security. VIFC assistance to its members in the areas of production and marketing will improve and maintain the consistent quantity and quality needed to satisfy the demand, for locally grown produce and value added products in the territory.
