STX Senate Candidate Raymond T. James, Esq. Announces Agricultural Homestead Program

  STX Senate Candidate  Raymond T. James, Esq.  

 Announces Agricultural  

  Homestead Program

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     St. Croix - Raymond T. James, Esq. Republican candidate for the Legislature of the Virgin Islands from the District of St. Croix, announced today his Agricultural Homestead Program, a cornerstone initiative of his campaign for the Senate, focused on preserving agricultural lands, strengthening food security, supporting local farmers, and creating opportunities for future generations of Virgin Islanders in the Agricultural field. 

     Mr. James said his proposal represents a long-term investment in the Territory’s economic future and agricultural independence at a time when inflation and rising food costs continue to impact families throughout the Virgin Islands. 

     “As food prices continue to rise and global events place increasing pressure on supply chains, the Virgin Islands must take steps to secure its future,” stated Senatorial candidate Mr. James. “We possess the land, the climate, and the people necessary to produce more of the food we consume. The question before us is whether we have the will to act.”

     The Agricultural Homestead Program would establish agricultural homesteads on designated agricultural lands for qualified applicants committed to active farming and responsible stewardship. The program is designed to preserve farmland while expanding opportunities for Virgin Islanders seeking to enter the agricultural sector. Mr. James noted that agricultural homesteading has deep roots in the Virgin Islands, dating back to the 1930s when agricultural lands were made available to encourage farming, self-sufficiency, and land ownership.

     “This proposal builds upon a tradition that helped shape our communities in the past. The incentives provided under this program are intended to encourage a new generation of Virgin Islanders to preserve agricultural lands and continue the legacy of farming for their children and for their children’s children,” said Mr. James. “When the freedom fighters, labor leaders, and ordinary working people of these islands struggled to gain access to the rich and fertile lands of St. Croix, it was not without sacrifice. Their efforts helped secure opportunities for future generations. Today we honor that sacrifice not merely through words, but through the actions of this proposed program.”

     Mr. James emphasized that many farmers throughout the Virgin Islands are already working hard to supply local produce and strengthen the Territory’s agricultural sector,

     “Today, there are farmers actively engaged in agriculture at various stages of production. They deserve our support. My plan provides additional resources, technical assistance, educational opportunities, and market incentives to help them succeed and expand their operations,” the Republican candidate for the Senate stated. 

     As part of the incentive, applicants accepted into the Agricultural Homestead Program would be required to complete agricultural education and training through the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI ) School of Agriculture; Cooperative Extension Service, Agricultural Experiment Station, or other approved agricultural partners. 

     “The University of the Virgin Islands has developed valuable agricultural expertise that should be utilized to ensure the success of future farmers,” said Mr. James. “Opportunity must be matched with education, training, and technical support.”

     In order to strengthen markets for local agriculture, Mr. James is also proposing a Gross Receipts Tax Reimbursement Program for restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, schools, and other businesses that purchase qualifying fruits and vegetables directly from Virgin Islands farmers. According to Mr. James, the incentive would encourage businesses to support local agriculture while helping farmers expand production and reach new local markets. 

     “Every dollar spent on locally grown produce strengthens our economy, supports local jobs, and keeps more money circulating within the Virgin Islands,” Mr. James noted. “Consumers benefit from fresher and healthier food, businesses benefit from the incentives, and farmers benefit from stronger demand for their products.”

     A key objective of the proposal is to encourage younger Virgin Islanders to view agriculture as a viable profession and business opportunity. 

     “We must encourage our youth to accept the challenge of farming. Agriculture is not simply part of our history - it must remain a part of our future. By investing in agricultural homesteads today, we can create opportunities for entrepreneurship, economic independence, and food security for tomorrow.”

     Mr. James said the Agricultural Homestead Program will help preserve agricultural lands, support existing farmers, create opportunities for new farmers, increase local food production, diversify the economy, and reduce dependence on imported foods.

     “Our ancestors fought hard to preserve these lands. We have a responsibility to continue that legacy. We cannot simply talk about protecting agriculture - we must act. We must invest. We must support our local farmers. Most importantly, we must believe in ourselves and our ability to feed ourselves. Food security is national security,” the Senatorial candidate concluded. 

     “If elected, I will work to ensure that the fertile lands of St. Croix and the Virgin Islands remain productive, protected, and available to future generations. Together, we can build a stronger agricultural economy and a more self-sufficient Virgin Islands.”

Raymond T, James, Esq.

Republican Candidate for the Legislature, 

District of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands