Message from Dr. Arthur A. Richards
President, University of the Virgin Islands


 Welcome to the 17th Annual Agriculture and Food
Fair on St. Croix. This year's theme, "Be Vocal, Buy
Local," expresses a simple thought that encompasses a
complex issue which is intended to make us aware of
some alternatives which could actually benefit the Virgin
Islands community in general. Although this Fair is pri-
marily a forum for support of the enterprises and prod-
ucts of local agriculture, we should keep in mind the
fact that buying products of any kind that are produced
locally makes good sense.

 One of the major components of our university is the
Land-Grant programs, which include the Cooperative
Extension Service and the Agricultural Experiment Sta-
tion. Through these activities, ways and means to in-
crease and enhance local farm production are studied
and developed. In turn, the information pertaining to
improving farm production is dispensed to the public
through various forms, such as classroom instruction,
workshops, publications, media reports and field day
demonstrations. Professionals working in the offices of
the Cooperative Extension Service and the Agricultural
Experiment Station are routinely available to provide
individuals with direct technical assistance in a broad
range of specific matters regarding gardening, irrigation
and plant nutrition, pest management, animal health and
nutrition, natural resource management, home eco-
nomics and livestock husbandry, to cite a few.
 The strategies that the Land-Grant staff created are
designed to reduce the imports of foods to the territoryE
by increasing production of crops and livestock and by
increasing the level of consumption of locally-produced
foods through the development of marketing systems
and consumer education.

 The University of the Virgin Islands, through its agri- 0
cultural programs, will continue to strive for increased
self-sufficiency in food production. I wish to commend
the Board of Directors of the Agriculture and Food Fair
for working diligently to plan this successful function for
our community.

 UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
 OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
 Charlotte Amalic. St. I homas. U.S. Virgin Islands




 Arthur A. Richards
 President