§ 18. Restatement of the law
The provisions of this chapter, insofar as they are substantially the same as existing law, are restatements and continuations of existing law, and not new enactments. The enactment of this chapter does not impair any privilege granted or right acquired under any laws of the Virgin Islands prior to the date it takes affect.
§ 14. Fees
Pursuant to title 3 Virgin Islands Code § 935, the Commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing fees in accordance with this chapter. All fees implemented under the regulations must be published in a newspaper of general circulation twice per week for at least three consecutive weeks prior to their effective date. The rules, regulations, […]
§ 9. Administration
The Commissioner shall: (a) Identify, preserve, advise for the purchase and manage all public agricultural resources and agricultural-zoned lands in the territory for the development of a sustainable agriculture industry; (b) Encourage and assist the people of the Virgin Islands in raising, handling, grading, packing, shipping, processing and marketing of agriculture products; (c) Ensure compliance […]
§ 10. Licenses, certificates, registrations, permits
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs shall issue, modify, suspend and revoke licenses, certificates and registrations for the use of agricultural resources and the Department of Health shall issue, modify, suspend and revoke permits, certificates and registrations of the processing food in the territory.
§ 11. Prohibition of development and exclusive use
All VICORP land is prohibited from development and shall be used exclusively for agricultural purposes.
§ 12. Fiscal duties—expenditures
With the exception of the Sustainable Agricultural Revolving Fund, no appropriations may be made from the Department of Agriculture’s annual budget.
§ 13. Interdepartmental expenses
(a) The Commissioner may charge any departments, bureau, division, board, or other government agency that is supported by the appropriations from the General Fund its proportionate share of the administrative expenses of the Department, or an amount that reasonably compensates the Department for the administrative services it rendered. (b) Subject to the approval of the […]
§ 4. Horticulture crops, nurseries, seeds/seedlings, livestock banks
(a) Horticulture crops produced by nurseries are considered “growing agricultural crops” for the purposes of this chapter. (b) For the purposes of this chapter, a nursery where the primary activity is planned production of horticultural crops is a farm. However, a retail nursery is not a farm, unless it is sustained in conjunction with a […]
§ 5. Purchase of equipment and supplies for farmers
(a) The Commissioner of Agriculture shall purchase and make available to agriculturists throughout the territory, by sale or on a rental basis, such items of equipment and supplies that, in the Commissioner’s discretion, will promote the farming industry and assist the farmers in maximizing the revenues of their farms. (b) The Commissioner shall provide for […]
§ 6. Responsibilities and requirements
(a) Every licensed farmer shall file a 1040 tax form, including a schedule F tax form whether or not he earned the income. A certified copy of the form or tax clearance letter must be presented with license renewal application each year. No farming license or certification may be renewed or issued before meeting this […]