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Abstract
The Virgin Islands Beginning Farmer Training Program aims to ensure
that there will be a sustainable new generation of farmers in the Virgin Islands. The
project seeks to improve beginning farmer's income and enhance their potential for
success. The target audience is beginning crop and small livestock farmers. These
farmers are provided with information, skills, and techniques needed to make informed
decisions to enhance the success of their farming enterprise. This is achieved through
education and training in production and farm financial management to assist them in
acquiring and successfully operating their farming agribusiness. It is expected that, as a
result of the project, the target audience will successfully operate their farms while
attracting other beginning farmers to operate sustainable agribusiness enterprises. The
program provided training to 127 beginning farmers in the Virgin Islands. Special
emphasis was placed on demonstrations and hands-on activities which enabled
participants to successfully perform necessary farm-related tasks. Of those involved in
the training program 60% are currently farming and plan to continue farming and
increase the size and efficiency of their farming enterprise. The program has attracted
the attention of other persons who are interested in participating in the program and
getting involved in farming. The feedback from the persons involved has been very
positive.