As used in the chapter, the term (1) “ABIC” means the Agriculture Business Incubator Center established in section 302. (2) “Agri-business” means a business engaged in any business listed in section 192 of this title. (3) “Business incubator” means a facility, including the ABIC, that offers: (A) Space for start-up and expanding firms; (B) The […]
(a) There is established within the Department of Agriculture the ABIC. The purpose of the ABIC is to operate the Program established in subsection (b). (b) The Program is established within the ABIC to provide start-up and operating assistance to qualified agri-business entrepreneurs, including providing assistance with in business planning, marketing agricultural products, obtaining access […]
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, […]
The ABIC shall provide Program services to Program participants for a period of two years. After two years, the ABIC through the Department of Agriculture shall offer leases of government land for farming based on the farmer’s business needs, the farmer’s ability to manage as demonstrated during participation in the incubator program, and on such […]
The ABIC may accept grants of local or federal funds, gifts, devices or conveyances for assistance to agri-businesses and the furtherance of the stated goals and purposes of this chapter.
The Commissioner shall include in the Department’s fiscal year budget proposal non-lapsing funding for the ABIC sufficient to carry out purposes of this chapter.
The Commissioner shall promulgate regulations for the operation of the ABIC program, including eligibility requirements for participation in the Program and procedures for applying for the Program.
The Commissioner shall coordinate the Program and consult with the Small Business Incubator Program established under 11 V.I.C. ch. 23 for guidance in the development and implementation of the Program and to avoid duplication of services.
(a) All departments, agencies, authorities and other instrumentalities of the Government shall cooperate with the Commissioner and the ABIC in carrying out their duties and responsibilities under this chapter; carrying out their programs and exercising their functions and promoting agri-businesses in such manner as will, to the maximum extent permitted by other applicable law, assist […]
