For FY 25-26, the school of agriculture agricultural experiment station will continue its hatch regular research projects focussing on local agricultural challenges of concern by stakeholders through:…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the University of the Virgin Islands $3,350,169 under the Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act (CFDA 10.203) formula grant program on October 1, 2025.

The School of Agriculture Agricultural Experiment Station will conduct Hatch Regular research projects addressing local agricultural challenges through fiscal year 2027. The funded work includes enhancing pitaya production in the U.S. Virgin Islands; evaluating heat-tolerant forages and grazing in the tropical agroecosystem for productivity and resilience; conducting vegetable performance trials in the U.S. Virgin Islands; evaluating West Indian avocado varieties and production in the U.S. Virgin Islands; sustaining small-scale aquaponics for nutritional security in the U.S. Virgin Islands; and developing larger hair sheep. These research projects will develop innovative ways to increase production and food security. Hatch Regular capacity funds will also support personnel salaries.

Performance occurs in the U.S. Virgin Islands with a period of performance from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. The Hatch Act formula grant program supports State Agricultural Experiment Stations and U.S. Insular Areas in conducting broad agricultural research, with at least 25 percent of funds directed to multi-state collaborative projects.

For FY 25-26, the school of agriculture agricultural experiment station will continue its hatch regular research projects focussing on local agricultural challenges of concern by stakeholders through: enhancing pitaya production in the US virgin islands; evaluating heat-tolerant forages and grazing in the tropical agroecosystem, productivity and resilience; vegetable performance trials in the US virgin islands; evaluating west indian avocado varieties and production in the US virgin islands; sustaining small-scale aquaponics for nutritional security in the US virgin islands; developing larger hair sheep. Through these research projects, innovative ways will be developed to increase production and food security. The hatch regular capacity funds will also pay for personnel salaries.