2025-2026 University of the Virgin Islands Model State Program - Program Assistant

Commodities

Practices

Project Abstract
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 2025 - 2026 will complement the accomplishments of previous years
by providing outreach and training for all stakeholders.
The first training objectives will bring awareness regarding the practice of Silvopasture for
livestock farmers. Topics to be presented and discussed will be:
• Tree selection for integrated livestock production
• Benefits of proper tree selection to prevent soil erosion
• As well as tree selection for humic soil layer development and water infiltration This will
be done in partnership with SARE partners at Alcorn State University, and the National
Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) who have Silvopasture experience (2025-
2026).
The second training objective will continue to focus on livestock producers. Continuing the
2023 goals to increase farmers' limited knowledge regarding animal nutrition, feed supplements,
and appropriate feed formulations for diverse livestock types at various growth and development
stages.
The third objective will continue the previous years' endeavors to work with poultry producers
who need increased training regarding general production practices such as proper sanitation and
precaution measures, food safety, alternative feeds, and best practices for healthy flocks. Poultry
production in the territory has steadily increased over the past few years. The local professional
development program has not adequately addressed the training needs in this sector. Poultry
producers are not fully aware of some of the pertinent federal and state guidelines and
regulations.

The target audience for the USVI Professional Development Program for the 2025 - 2026
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 bring awareness regarding the practice of Silvopasture for livestock farmers.
Topics to be presented and discussed will be tree selection for integrated livestock production,
benefits of proper tree selection to prevent soil erosion, humic soil layer development and water
infiltration. This will be done in partnership with SARE partners at Alcorn State University, and
NCAT who have Silvopasture experience (2025-2026).
Objective 2. To continue to focus on livestock producers. Continuing the 2023 goals to increase
farmers' knowledge regarding animal nutrition, feed supplements, and appropriate feed
formulations for diverse livestock types at various growth and development stages.
Objective 3. To work with poultry producers who need increased training regarding general
management and production practices such as proper sanitation and precaution measures, food
safety, alternative feeds, and best practices for healthy flocks. Poultry production in the territory
has steadily increased over the past few years. The local professional development program has
not addressed the training needs in this sector. Poultry producers need to be made more aware of
the pertinent federal and state guidelines and regulations.