THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES
 OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
 Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands


 Message from Honorable Juan Luis
 Governor of the Virgin Islands


 At this Eleventh Annual Agriculture and Food Fair celebrated
 here in St. Croix, we have only to look around us to see what a
 long way we have come in such a short time toward improving and
 expanding Agriculture in the Virgin Islands.
 For this we must give due credit to the efforts of many people
 and agencies, especially the two sponsors of this great annual cele-
 bration, the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture and the Col-
 lege of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service.
 The theme of the Fair this year is especially appropriate in a
 time of rising prices, increasing awareness of wholesome food and a
 healthier environment. "Make Ends Meet Grow What You Eat" is
 an apt slogan around which to focus the exhibits to be shown at
 this fair.
 Agriculture has a high priority in my Administration. I am
 proud that for Fiscal 1981 I was able for the first time to obtain a
 significant budget for Agriculture which will help implement the
 new agricultural policy which farmers themselves helped shape. It
 includes $1 million for the purchase of heavy equipment to help
 farmers. New farms are being established and others expanding,
 and these farmers are being greatly assisted by the Department of
 Agriculture and the Extension Service. In addition, in the coming
 months we will commence the designs for the construction of a
 new abattoir on St. Croix.
 As young people continue their interest in agriculture we have
encouraged their aspirations by making land more readily available
to them. Another plus in these days of inflation, is the trend to-
ward backyard gardens with perhaps a fruit tree or two which gives
shade as well as food. Fresh produce is a welcome addition to the
table and does help cut the grocery bill.
 On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I wish to com-
mend all the participants in this biggest Agriculture and Food Fair
yet and to congratulate all those who have worked so diligently to
make it a success.


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