VIEDA Buys Padilla Bldg for Agro & Food Ctr in F’sted

St. Croix Times Staff

Frederiksted - The Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority’s (VIEDA) Enterprise Zone Commission (EZC) has purchased the Padilla Building at 53 A&B King Street in Frederiksted, St. Croix. The historic building will become the future site of the Agro and Food Innovation Center, the anchor project of the Frederiksted Enterprise Zone. 

Supported by an appropriation provided by the 33rd Legislature of the Virgin Islands, the center will serve as a technology-driven hub for agricultural innovation, providing entrepreneurs with access to:

• Commercial grade equipment

• Collaboration space for techies to experiment with agri-tech solutions and digital tools 

• Technical assistance in food technology and value-added production

• Market access and business development support 

In addition to agro-processing and clean kitchen facilities, the center will include:

• A collaboration space for those involved in creating technological solutions (website, apps, etc) to the challenges we face.

•  A small training center

• Business incubation and acceleration support

• Technical assistance for value-added food production

A companion project, the Agro and Food Technology Center, is also underway in the Savanne-Downstreet Enterprise Zone on St. Thomas at the former Evelyn Marcelli School. Both centers were recommended in a 2020 agro-processing plant feasibility study conducted with the University of the Virgin Islands and will provide modern agro-processing and clean kitchen facilities in the Territory’s enterprise zones. 

“These projects represent long-term investments in technology, food security, and economic resiliency,” said Nadine Marchena Kean, Managing Director of the Enterprise Zone Commission. “The Agro and Food Innovation Center has the potential to restore vibrancy to Frederiksted while positioning agriculture and food entrepreneurship as a key driver of our economy. Together with our partners, we are creating spaces that nurture innovation and collaboration for the next generation.”

Tech Thyme Inaugural Graduation     

As part of the vision, EZC, in partnership with the Gryselda Lois Foundation, also hosted the first Tech Thyme competition and graduation ceremony at Government House on St. Thomas. Tech Thyme’s first training was a pilot program training participants in artificial intelligence (AI), app development, and website design. The program encouraged 12 participants, from high school students to adults, who develop beta-stage apps to support agriculture, culture, and culinary industries, directly aligned with the Agro and Food Innovation and Technology Centers.

Three teams presented their concepts to an audience that voted for their favorites, with winners receiving prizes totaling $75,000 in value, such as domain registration services, Canva and Claude Pro subscriptions, web design support, and HR team-building services. 

Governor Albert Bryan Jr., Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach, and Commissioner of Agriculture Louis Petersen praised the initiative for helping the Territory embrace technology while supporting the agriculture community. 

“The Agro and Food Innovation Center, along with programs like Tech Thyme, are about more than just infrastructure and training,” said Wayne L. Biggs Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority. “They are about creating opportunities for Virgin Islanders, students, entrepreneurs, and small business owners alike, to access resources, develop skills, and turn innovative ideas into sustainable businesses that strengthen our economy.” 

The next round of Tech Thyme will begin in November, expanding to St. Croix and St. John.