REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS + 17

 Department of Agriculture and Labor

St. Croix Agricultural Program

 The activities of this Division are organized to serve the increasing
needs of the farmers engaged in this highly competitive industry.
 In response to requests and complaints from farmers and citizenry,
regarding the difficulties experienced in obtaining certain supplies and
services necessary for successful farming, this division is a source of
seeds and seedlings, fruit trees, fertilizer, insecticides, land preparation
and technical advice.
 These supplies and services are available to the public at cost.
Duplication or competition with private business engaged in these
services is avoided.
 Through this service, many citizens have been able to establish small
orchards of grafted mangoes, bananas, avocadoes, and many varieties
of citrus fruits. Some farmers obtain their entire supply of seeds or
seedlings from this agency.
 During this year 63,149 pounds of vegetables were harvested from
the crop trial at the station at Anna's Hope, St. Croix. Of the total
amount harvested, 58,546 pounds were distributed to the government
institutions. The remaining 4,603 pounds were used to supplement
the swine feeding program.
 The Swine Improvement and Production program got its start early
in this year. Already, this program is meeting some of its short-run
goals. Many citizens have secured baby pigs from our stock. Boars
have given service to the sows of many farmers.
 Most of the sows have given birth to at least one litter of pigs within
their first year of life and some of the older sows have already weaned
their second litter.

Loans to Farmers and Fishermen

 This medium of credit became active at the close of this fiscal year.
Over 20 farmers and fishermen, representing all three islands, received
loans up to $500 from funds appropriated for this purpose by the
legislature.
 Many of the recipients have purchased outboard motors and fish-
ing traps to enable them to increase their fishing range. The farming
applicants are purchasing irrigation pumps, and equipment for hog
and poultry raising.