DOA to Temporarily Suspend Land Preparation Services

Commissioner of Agriculture Carlos Robles testifies at a Senate hearing in August.
Commissioner of Agriculture Carlos Robles testifies at a Senate hearing in August.

Commissioner of Agriculture Carlos Robles informs farmers and the general public that applications for land preparation services will be temporarily suspended. The reasons for the suspension are to address the backlog of applications that resulted from the inability to prepare land for several months due to the saturated soil conditions and to facilitate preparation for the 2019 annual Agriculture and Food Fair, according to a press release issued Wednesday by the V.I. Department of Agriculture (DOA).

Robles said, “While the rains were appreciated by many farmers, on the other hand, it hindered some in land preparation and other production practices. We are now playing catch-up to service the many clients that have applications pending.”

The suspension is effective immediately, and the DOA will resume accepting applications for land preparation and grass cutting on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019.

The department regrets any inconvenience this temporary suspension may cause and thanks the community for its patience and understanding.