2019 US Virgin Islands Code
Title 7 - Agriculture
Chapter 15 - Virgin Islands Agriculture Business Incubator Center
§ 303. Duties
- The ABIC, in conjunction with the Cooperative Extension Service of the University of the Virgin Islands, shall provide technical assistance and ongoing consulting services related to business organization, business management, accounting services, assistance with legal requirements related to farming operations, and general entrepreneurial skills. The ABIC shall:
(1) act as an incubator for agri-business development, agriculture-tourism and consumer education;
(2) assist eligible farmers and agri-businesses, as defined and determined by regulations promulgated by the Commissioner, in developing business plans, loan applications, grant proposals, and referrals to the appropriate financial institutions, government agencies, and private foundations for funding;
(3) develop and operate a demonstration farm to instruct, provide daily guidance and learning opportunities and aid farmers in the business management of their operations and marketing their products;
(4) develop a model for and instruct farmers in the expansion of agriculture infrastructure, sales and distribution;
(5) offer full-scale business management services, assistance from business management and farming consultants, including the University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension Service, and provide secretarial and clerical services and business equipment, such as printers, fax machines, computers and internet access;
(6) develop such other programs and services as needed to assist agri-businesses and to support a sustainable farming; and
(7) establish an advisory committee to provide guidance to the ABIC in the development and promotion of agri-businesses in the Territory and the performance of the functions under this chapter.
