Working alongside partners from the Virgin Islands Farmers Alliance (VIFA), Rodale Institute, and NCAT, the FOG team spent several days connecting with farmers, sharing resources, providing technical assistance, and strengthening relationships that support organic farming throughout the Caribbean region.

Advancing Organic Opportunities at the Virgin Islands Agriculture Caribbean Conference

The visit began with participation in the 1st Annual Virgin Islands Agriculture Caribbean Conference on July 16. During the conference, FOG and SE TOPP partners presented during the session, Sustainable Agriculture: Principles, Practices, and Opportunities, sharing information about organic production, research, technical assistance, and transition support available through SE TOPP and partner organizations.

The discussion highlighted pathways available to producers interested in organic production and reinforced the importance of collaboration in building resilient regional food systems.

Exploring the Connection Between Soil, Art, and Agriculture

Later that evening, the team attended the Our Soil Beyond Materiality gallery exhibition and film screening. The exhibit explored the cultural and agricultural significance of soil in the U.S. Virgin Islands through artwork, film, and interviews with local farmers.

The event provided an opportunity for meaningful conversations around soil health, stewardship, and sustainable growing practices. Guests also enjoyed a meal prepared with locally and organically grown ingredients from Ridge to Reef Farm, creating space for networking and community-building among farmers, partners, and residents.

Learning from Farmers Across the Islands

On July 17, the group visited several farms to learn directly from producers and better understand the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The tour included:

Little La Grange Farm, where Dr. Nate Olive manages a certified organic operation producing a diverse range of fruits and vegetables.

Featherleaf Inn, owned by Ryan Flegal, which showcases an abundance of tropical crops including mangoes, starfruit, soursop, and other specialty fruits overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Prosperity Farm, a historic sugarcane operation with an onsite distillery that is expanding food crop production to strengthen local food security and economic resilience.

Each stop demonstrated the innovation, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of farmers working to feed their communities while stewarding the land.

Building Relationships Through Farm-to-Table Experiences

The day concluded with a visit to Ridge to Reef Farm, another certified organic operation managed by Dr. Nate Olive.

Farmers, agricultural professionals, and community members gathered for a farm tour and farm-to-table dinner featuring locally grown ingredients. Beyond the meal itself, the event created valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and celebrate the growing organic community in the Virgin Islands.

Meeting Farmers Where They Are

A key component of the trip was providing direct technical assistance to producers interested in organic certification.

FOG staff met with developing farmer Nathan Bishop to discuss organic production practices, certification requirements, and resources available through SE TOPP. Through one-on-one conversations and farm visits, the team was able to offer personalized guidance tailored to the farmer's goals and operation.

The following day, staff continued that work by providing individual technical assistance to a farmer transitioning to organic production. Together, they reviewed the Organic Systems Plan and explored the requirements and considerations involved in the certification process.

Growing the Future Together

The trip underscored the value of relationships in agriculture. Whether presenting at a conference, sharing a meal on a farm, or sitting down one-on-one with a producer, every interaction helped strengthen the network of support available to farmers across the Southeast and Caribbean.

Through SE TOPP, FOG remains committed to helping producers access the resources, technical expertise, and partnerships they need to successfully transition to organic production and build thriving farms for generations to come.

Learn more about Southeast TOPP and the technical assistance resources available to farmers through Florida Organic Growers.