Commodities

• Vegetables: onions

Practices

• Crop Production: varieties and cultivars

Statement of the Proposed Solution

The purpose of this project's proposed solution is to establish research that is centered on a conservation-based production practice and an economically viable pathway for onion production in the U.S. Virgin Islands by identifying tropical-adapted varieties and documenting best practices for their successful cultivation. The solution directly addresses the lack of locally relevant production data by implementing a structured, on-farm onion variety trial using sustainable agriculture practices defined by the 1990 Farm Bill: practices that "maintain and enhance environmental quality, sustain the economic viability of farm operations, and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole."

Overview of the Solution

The proposed solution is to conduct a 24-month replicated field trial of multiple onion varieties-short-day and tropical-adapted types such as Granex, Texas Early Grano 502 PRR, Red Creole, Crystal White Wax, Tropicana, and Caribbean Queen-at Sejah Farm of the Virgin Islands. These varieties were chosen because they are commonly recommended in a tropical region and have the highest potential for adaptation to the U.S. Virgin Islands' tropical day lengths, high humidity, and year-round heat.

The project will assess each variety's agronomic performance, yield potential, bulb formation, pest resistance, environmental requirements, and market acceptance. Data generated from this trial will form the foundation of a Virgin Islands-specific onion production guide and inform farmers on how to incorporate onions into diversified vegetable systems sustainably.

1. A Specific and Measurable Solution

The solution combines scientific field research with hands-on farmer education to provide clear, measurable outcomes.

1. Specific Field Research Activities

The project will:

1. Establish a randomized, replicated trial of at least six onion varieties.
2. Measure germination, stand establishment, plant vigor, pest/disease incidence, bulb formation, and maturity.
3. Quantify total and marketable yields for each variety using standardized bed measurements.
4. Evaluate environmental performance, including water-use efficiency and pest resistance.
5. Assess market quality through chef sampling and farmer's market demonstrations.

These measurable indicators ensure that results are robust, comparable, and directly useful to producers.

1. Specific Outreach and Adoption Activities

The solution includes the following outreach actions:

• At least one on-farm field day to share results with farmers and community members
• Market demonstrations to assess consumer acceptance
• A practical, locally tailored onion production guide distributed digitally and in print
• Ongoing communication through farmers' market displays, social media, and email newsletters

These activities make the solution practical, farmer-focused, and scalable.

2. An Achievable and Realistic Solution
3. Achievable with Available Resources

The proposed trial is realistic and achievable because:

• Sejah Farm has suitable land, infrastructure, irrigation, and labor capacity.
• The farm already conducts vegetable trials and has experience collecting detailed yield data.
• Compost, drip irrigation, and IPM practices are already part of existing operations.
• The timeline allows for two full production cycles, ensuring reliable data.

All varieties will be open-pollinated or hybrid types available through standard vegetable seed suppliers.

1. Realistic for Farmer Adoption

The solution is designed to be easy to adopt by other producers because:

• Onions require moderate inputs and can be grown on small acreage.
• Varieties chosen have potential for short-day adaptation, fitting within farmers' current planting calendars.
• The project demonstrates how onions can fit into existing crop rotations without major disruption.
• Farmers will receive a clear, step-by-step local production guide that reduces their trial-and-error costs.

3. How the Solution Leads to a More Sustainable Outcome

The solution directly supports all three pillars of sustainability, as defined by Congress.

1. Economic Sustainability

By identifying reliable onion varieties, the project will:

• Provide farmers with a high-demand, high-value crop sold daily in the Virgin Islands.
• Reduce dependence on imported onions, allowing farmers to compete locally.
• Improve income stability through diversification.
• Lower production risks by providing proven, data-driven recommendations.

Even small-scale onion production can substantially increase the profitability of vegetable growers due to strong market demand from households, restaurants, and institutions.

1. Environmental Sustainability

The trial will demonstrate conservation-based production methods such as:

• Drip irrigation, reducing water use and nutrient runoff
• Compost-based fertility, improving soil structure and organic matter
• Mulching, which suppresses weeds and holds moisture
• Integrated pest management, reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides
• Crop rotation, maintaining soil health and reducing disease pressure

Onion production requires relatively modest nutrient inputs and can complement diversified farms, contributing to long-term soil health.

1. Social Sustainability

The solution improves community well-being by:

• Increasing access to fresh, locally grown staple crops
• Strengthening the local food supply during transportation delays
• Supporting chefs, restaurants, and consumers seeking local ingredients
• Enhancing agricultural education through field days and demonstrations
• Promoting pride and empowerment within the community through locally driven solutions

Increasing local onion production contributes directly to food sovereignty-a community's ability to control its food sources.

4. Evidence-Based Approach and Alignment With SARE Goals

This solution aligns with SARE's mandate to develop farming systems that are:

• Profitable over the long term
• Environmentally sound
• Beneficial to farmers, communities, and society

Studies from the University of Georgia, Texas A&M, LSU AgCenter, and previous Southern SARE vegetable variety trials demonstrate the importance of variety selection in a tropical region. These findings support the strategy of localized testing to identify cultivars suited to tropical environments.

While these studies inform the project, the unique conditions of the U.S. Virgin Islands-longer tropical day lengths, variable rainfall, humidity, and distinct pest pressures-require site-specific trials to ensure success.

This proposed solution fills that knowledge gap and produces actionable, locally relevant guidance.

5. Anticipated Long-Term Outcomes

The long-term outcome of this solution is to establish onions as a reliable component of diversified vegetable farms in the USVI, increasing:

• Agricultural viability
• Local food production capacity
• Farmer resilience
• Community access to fresh produce
• Regional food security

The project strengthens the agricultural sector's ability to withstand global volatility, supply chain disruptions, and severe weather variability.

Summary

This project offers a focused, scientifically grounded, achievable solution to a long-standing problem in Virgin Islands agriculture. By identifying onion varieties adapted to local conditions and demonstrating sustainable production methods, this project provides farmers with the tools needed to adopt a profitable crop. It directly advances the sustainability goals established by the 1990 Farm Bill.