TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands - The government of the British Virgin Islands is scheduled to begin construction on a long-awaited food processing complex later this year.
This was disclosed by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley during his recent Territorial Address.
Wheatley confirmed that the designs for the new facility are well advanced and that “construction is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.”
The new Agriculture and Fisheries Complex will provide vital infrastructure for food producers across the territory.
According to the Premier, it will support the territory’s long-term goals for food security, economic diversification, and resilience in agriculture and fisheries.
The project is being led by the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), which, in early 2025, signed a contract with Trojan Design and Development Ltd to manage its design and construction.
The RDA has outlined that the facility will feature an abattoir, a fish processing unit, and dedicated storage and distribution sections for farm and seafood products. Administrative and technical office spaces will also be included.
Wheatley described the project as part of the government’s wider strategy to improve local food systems and reduce reliance on imports. “We have developed comprehensive plans to build a reservoir to serve the farming community of Paraquita Bay, providing essential water resources to boost agricultural production,” he stated.
The food processing complex also aligns with the Virgin Islands Food Security and Sustainability Act 2022.
Junior Minister for Agriculture Dr Karl Dawson previously said the complex is crucial for connecting producers with buyers. “We do not want a system where our farmers and fishers, in addition to producing the products that they are responsible for, now have to go and make individual arrangements with restaurants or the supermarkets,” he stated.
Additional support measures are also underway.
The Premier said the government is working to finalize policies on grants and water access for food producers.
“Several initiatives aimed at assisting and empowering food producers are under development, and will be implemented soon,” he added.
These include financial assistance, training in animal and plant health, container and vertical farming, and access to microloans for farmers and fishers.
The new facility is expected to modernize food processing in the Virgin Islands and replace infrastructure damaged by the 2017 hurricanes. According to the RDA, the project is expected to conclude by February 2027.
