The Food Security and Sustainability Act was passed during the Second Sitting of Fourth Session of the Fourth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, April 19.

The Act was brought to the House by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley and seeks to establish an effective mechanism to promote food security and sustainability in the Territory.

The act seeks to provide for the establishment, powers and functions of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Virgin Islands Agriculture and Fisheries Authority and respecting the effective administration and management of agriculture and fisheries resources of the Territory.

The Act also speaks to the development and review of the policy for sustainable agricultural production, food security and food safety to ensure that the sound and sustainable production, management and use of food for Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors to the Territory while addressing the impacts from climate change and disasters on food production.

Honourable Wheatley thanked members of the House and members of the panel who contributed during the committee stage of the deliberation of the Bill.

 “I am overjoyed by the passage of this historic bill, which will help revolutionise food production in the Territory by providing an agile and semi-autonomous authority capable of supporting the agricultural and fishing industries while strengthening regulation, data management, research, and oversight,” Honourable Wheatley said.

The Bill is now in its final stage before it can be fully utilised. The next step is for it to be presented to His Excellency, Governor John Rankin to be assented.