Message from Honorable Alexander A. Farrelly
Governor of the Virgin Islands



 It is that time of year again when the air is full of
excitement in anticipation of the traditional St. Croix
Agriculture and Food Fair.

 This year the 17th Annual Agriculture and Food Fair
has a most fitting theme BE VOCAL, BUY LOCAL. It is
crucial that the agriculture industry begin to assume its
rightful place as a vital sector of our economy. Virgin
Islands' farmers are struggling to make a living, often
against great obstacles such as water shortages, insect
pests, lack of resources and unprotected markets.
 For agriculture to survive, it must be technologically
based, with an emphasis on sound business procedures.
We are fortunate to have a Land-Grant institution, such
as the University of the Virgin Islands in the territory,
which has the mechanism of constantly developing new
technology and educational systems, like the Coopera-
tive Extension Service, which disseminates research
based information to our farmers.
 Under my administration, various components of eco-
nomic development, including agriculture, will get a fair
chance to succeed. In order to revitalize the agriculture
industry in the Virgin Islands and provide this vital basic
industry its rightful place, critical institutional, personnel
and financial requirements must be met if technological
advancement is to be used in a socially desirable way.
 The resources that are available to us are limited. To
maximize these limited resources, I have encouraged
programs which emphasize cooperation between various
agencies, to avoid duplication and multiple resources.
This Fair demonstrates a successful joint effort between
the V.I. Department of Agriculture and the University of
the Virgin Islands. The Fair also highlights the impor-
tance of agriculture and enhances an understanding of
the economic, technical and social factors relating to
food production and distribution problems in the Virgin
Islands.
 I heartily commend the Board of Directors of the 17th
Annual Agriculture and Food Fair, employees of the
Department of Agriculture and the University of the
Virgin Islands, the farmers and the exhibitors, who have
spent a tremendous amount of time in bringing these
educational opportunities to our community.

 It is my sincere hope that our young people will
derive inspiration and encouragement in pursuing
various educational opportunities in this multi-faceted
field.





 Alexander A. Farrelly


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