Final report for SVI23-001
Project Information
This project proposal focuses on three priority areas of current training needs based on input received from the members of the SARE Advisory Council. The proposed professional development activities for 2023 - 2024 will compliment the accomplishments of previous years by providing outreach and training for all stakeholders.
One of the training objectives during the implementation period is to increase the trainees' level of knowledge and awareness regarding the available funding opportunities for producers and the steps involved in navigating the respective application processes. The second training objective will focus specifically on livestock producers. This focus indicates a major contrast in comparison to previous years' proposals when livestock farmers were not specifically targeted. Many farmers have limited knowledge regarding animal nutrition, feed supplements, and appropriate feed formulations for diverse types of livestock at various stages of growth and development.
The third objective of this proposal will target poultry producers who are in need of increased training regarding general production practices, sanitation, and food safety. The number of poultry in the territory has been steadily increasing during the past years. However, the local professional development program has not addressed the training needs in this sector in recent years. Furthermore, poultry producers are generall not aware of the pertinent federal and state guidelines.
The proposed professional development training activities will build upon prior years' work by promoting agricultural sustainability and addressing educational gaps among professional staff and producers. The target audience for the training events will be outreach staff and mentor farmers.
The target audience for the USVI Professional Development Program for the 2023 - 2024 implementation period will be mentor farmers and agricultural outreach staff from state and federal agencies as well as members of pertinent non-government organizations. The training objectives will be as follows:
Objective 1. To increase the trainees' level of knowledge regarding available funding opportunities for producers and improve their application and navigating skills with respect to the application processes.
Objective 2. To increase the level of knowledge and improve management practices among livestock farmers regarding animal nutrition, feed supplements, and appropriate feed formulations for diverse types of livestock at various stages of growth and development.
Objective 3. To increase the level of knowledge and improve the management practices of poultry farmers regarding production, slaughtering, marketing, sanitation, and food safety. In addition, the objective of the training activities will be to increase the level of knowledge of poultry producers regarding the pertinent federal and state guidelines and standards for the sector.
Advisors
- (Researcher)
Education
To effectively achieve the objectives of the program, a Train‑the‑Trainer approach was used. This approach was selected to ensure that knowledge, skills, and recommended practices could be easily transferred from program presenters to the participants, and ultimately disseminated more broadly throughout the agricultural community. Central to this model was the approach which allowed participants to actively engage with the material and build practical competencies that could be applied immediately in their settings.
The training activities involved a diverse group of collaborators and participants, including Extension staff, university researchers, USDA personnel, and mentor farmers. Each group contributed their expertise which strengthened the technical depth and practical relevance of the program’s educational components. Extension personnel provided outreach and facilitation and USDA staff shared regulatory and technical perspectives, and mentor farmers contributed firsthand field experience.
Program activities were aligned closely with the program’s objectives, with each session designed to increase participant knowledge and enhance their ability to implement recommended practices. Topics emphasized applied learning, practical demonstrations that encouraged participants to think critically and work collaboratively. This combination of instructional strategies helped ensure that participants not only understood key concepts but also developed the confidence and capability to teach others within their networks.
A major highlight of the training effort was the Field Day, which served as an experiential learning opportunity for all participants. During this event, attendees visited demonstration sites where they could observe recommended practices in action, interact directly with researchers and technical experts, and ask detailed questions about implementation challenges and solutions. The Field Day fostered peer‑to‑peer learning, strengthened professional relationships, and allowed participants to see the tangible outcomes of program-supported techniques.
Through this multifaceted training approach—combining the Train‑the‑Trainer model, hands‑on instruction, expert collaboration, and field‑based learning—the program successfully enhanced both the knowledge base and practical skill set of participants. This structure also ensured that the training has a multiplier effect, enabling participants to share what they learned with other producers, community members, and agricultural stakeholders across the territory.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
To increase the trainees' level of knowledge regarding available funding opportunities for producers and improve their application and navigating skills with respect to the application processes.
A series of trainings were conducted to help participants understand the purpose and functions of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), two key USDA agencies that provide financial and conservation assistance to agricultural producers. These sessions were designed to increase participants’ knowledge of available USDA programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and the technical and financial resources accessible to farmers and land managers.
The dates and topics covered were as follows:
- USDA FSA Loan Programs – April 18, 2024
- USDA NRCS Programs and Applications – April 25, 2024
- USDA NRCS Program Contracts and Practices for Crop and Livestock Producers – May 9, 2024
- Recordkeeping Requirements for USDA FSA Programs –May, 23, 2024
Each session was led by the primary representatives from both agencies, ensuring that participants received accurate and authoritative guidance on program requirements and processes.
The trainings were delivered in partnership with the USDA Service Center and the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center, strengthening interagency collaboration and enhancing the support available to local producers.
The series of USDA-focused trainings increased producers’ understanding of the financial and conservation assistance available through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The initiative strengthened participants’ capacity to access USDA programs, navigate application processes, and prepare required documentation. Trainings were conducted in partnership with the USDA Service Center and the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center, with sessions led by agency representatives.
April 18, 2024 – USDA FSA Loan Programs
Participants learned about the full range of FSA loan and disaster programs, including eligibility requirements, available loan types, and the financial support options offered to farmers.
April 25, 2024 – USDA NRCS Programs and Applications
Participants received an overview of NRCS technical and financial assistance programs and were guided through the application process for EQIP, CSP, and other conservation services.
May 9, 2024 – USDA NRCS Program Contracts and Practices for Crop and Livestock Producers
This training provided instruction on NRCS program contracts, approval processes, and conservation practice implementation requirements for both crop and livestock operations.
May 23, 2024 – Recordkeeping Requirements for USDA FSA Programs
Participants learned how to prepare and organize records required for FSA program applications, including production histories, financial documentation, disaster‑loss evidence, and supporting materials needed for loan and disaster assistance requests.
As a result of the training series, participants:
- Increased their awareness of USDA funding and conservation opportunities.
- Improved understanding of eligibility requirements for FSA and NRCS programs.
- Gained knowledge of loan processes, conservation planning, and contract expectations.
- Improved their ability to prepare complete, accurate documentation required for USDA applications.
- Became more confident in interacting with USDA personnel and accessing agency services.
As a result:
- Participants initiated contact with FSA and NRCS offices to review their eligibility and begin applications.
- Producers began compiling production records, financial statements, and other documentation needed for USDA programs.
- Several attendees began drafting conservation plans or exploring EQIP/CSP practices with NRCS staff.
- Mentor farmers and Extension staff enhanced their capacity to assist others using a Train‑the‑Trainer model.
- Participants demonstrated improved readiness to pursue USDA loans, cost‑share programs, and disaster assistance.
The training initiative expanded the agricultural community’s ability to access USDA financial and conservation resources. The program:
- Reduced common barriers to participation in federal programs.
- Strengthened producer confidence and preparedness for USDA application processes.
- Improved local capacity for recordkeeping, conservation planning, and financial documentation.
- Built stronger partnerships between producers, Extension, USDA agencies, and the Virgin Islands SBDA.
- Enhanced long‑term agricultural resilience across the territory through increased knowledge, improved practices, and stronger agency relationships.
Overall, the initiative provided vital support that will lead to increased USDA program utilization, improved conservation outcomes, and stronger economic and environmental sustainability for producers throughout the Virgin Islands.
To increase the level of knowledge and improve the management practices of poultry farmers regarding production, slaughtering, marketing, sanitation, and food safety. In addition, the objective of the training activities will be to increase the level of knowledge of poultry producers regarding the pertinent federal and state guidelines and standards for the sector.
A series of six weekly training classes was conducted to strengthen the participants' knowledge of poultry production and improve their management practices. Each session focused on a a topic that is essential for raising healthy poultry while maintaining a safe and efficient operation.
The weekly training topics were:
- Introduction to poultry husbandry
- Meat terminology
- Equipment needed for raising chicken
- General husbandry practices and management
- Common diseases and other pests, and their treatment
- Eggs
Through the six‑week poultry production training series, participants significantly increased their knowledge across various aspects of poultry management: By the end of the program, participants demonstrated:
Improved understanding of poultry husbandry, including bird types, terminology, and basic production systems.
Greater awareness of legal and regulatory requirements, such as zoning rules, permits, and guidelines for establishing or expanding poultry operations.
Enhanced knowledge of required equipment, feeding systems, and the tools needed for safe and efficient flock management.
Increased competency in daily husbandry practices, including nutrition, housing conditions, ventilation, and hen behavior.
Ability to identify common poultry diseases and pests, with an understanding of prevention, treatment, and basic biosecurity protocols.
Stronger knowledge of egg handling and quality management, including storage, cleanliness, and production considerations.
Trainees left with a well‑rounded understanding of poultry care that supports improved productivity, bird welfare, and regulatory compliance.
An educational workshop and demonstration will ensure that participants learn about topics such as basic animal nutrition, supplements, feed available in the Caribbean, diets, animal selection, and feed management. Attendees will have the opportunity to expand their understanding of sheep nutrition and recognize other options to meet the nutritional requirements of livestock production in the Virgin Islands.
On June 2, 2026, and June 3, 2026, a seminar and training demonstration titled “Sheep Nutrition & St. Croix White Sheep: The link to improve your flock” was offered on St. Croix and St. Thomas, respectively. The agronomist and Pan-American Grain Company representative, Ricardo Zapater, M.S., led the activity. The topics covered during the activity were:
- Basic knowledge about animal nutrition
- Nutrients
- Feed options
- Supplements
- Animal Requirement
- Management
- Connection between management, animal nutrition, and genetics
Both sections support participants’ learning and ensure knowledge is shared.
Local farmers, students, and agricultural staff attended the educational training. Participants learned about animal nutrition, supplements, nutrients, feed options, animal requirements, and management. Participants also exchanged ideas about livestock production in the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean, including sheep management.
The biggest livestock production in the Virgin Islands is sheep production, specifically St. Croix White sheep production. Part of the educational activities focused on the nutrition of this breed and the conditions on the Virgin Islands.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
Overall, the initiative provided information to increase the knowledge and confidence of producers that will lead them to increase their relations with and participation in USDA programs to improve their economic and environmental sustainability. Mentor farmers and agriculture professionals increased their capacity to assist others in navigating the FSA and NRCS processes.
Face of SARE
All activities conducted mentioned the SARE Program. The SARE logo was prominently featured on all of the publicity materials.
SARE programs are always featured at our Agriculture and Food Fairs, and other major outreach events.
Our faculty, staff and producers are becoming more involved in SARE projects.
We routinely distribute SARE educational materials to our stakeholders and others at all of our trainings and other events.