Sustainability & Agricultural Education

Welcome to Sustainability & Agricultural Education

Sustainability & Agricultural Education United States Virgin Islands Department of Education circular logo with Hands holding a book plants growing from the pages Cattle on fertile soil of islands, bird flying,and fish on a line

Overview of the VIDE Sustainability Department The VIDE Sustainability Department is dedicated to enhancing the agricultural sectors and environmental stewardship of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our islands have always been rich with natural beauty and fertile land—resources that have sustained generations. We know that by integrating sustainability into our educational framework, we can harness these assets to build a future where our students are not only academically prepared but also deeply connected to the land and their cultural heritage. Through innovative projects, strategic partnerships, and a curriculum that emphasizes the importance of sustainability, our department strives to position the U.S. Virgin Islands as a leader in sustainable agricultural practices.

The U.S. Virgin Islands has shown sustainability, resilience, and community. The VIDE Sustainability Department is here to ensure that sustainability is nurtured, celebrated, and passed on to future generations and nurture the growth of food security in our communities.

The Sustainability Department is mandated by ACT 8404/ Bill 33-0376 , better known as, The Ag plan to help create more food security and a more sustainable U.S. Virgin Islands.

Why it was mandated:

To advance food security by promoting creative problem-solving, excitement, and innovative solutions for sustainability.

Who it was mandated for:

Students, teachers, and the community to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

What will the Sustainability Program create:

Active participants in our territory that will create more food stability, sovereignty, and prosperity for the people of the USVI.

Sustainability Department's Vision:

To design industry-leading, inquiry-based curriculum and teacher education that honors the Virgin Islands' heritage and prepares students for a future of food stability, sovereignty, and prosperity in agriculture

Steps to create an even more sustainable Virgin Islands will:

Integrate sustainability and agricultural education into the curriculum across all grade levels

Provide comprehensive training and support to educators

Foster a culture of environmental literacy and stewardship among students.

Herald a curriculum that highlights the Virgin Islands' past and welcomes a future of food stability, sovereignty, and prosperity through agricultural education

Sustainability Office

Teacher Resources

VIDE SAE LOGO for sustainability and agricultural education land, air, and sea

Welcome Educators!We are excited to share that we have a variety of valuable resources available to support you and your students in agricultural education. These resources are designed to enhance your curriculum, provide professional growth opportunities, and connect you with a broader community of educators and industry leaders.

Here are some key resources you can access:

Sustainability & Agricultural Education Curriculum: A structured, experiential learning program that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world agricultural projects, enhancing their skills and preparing them for future careers.

AgPlan: A strategic planning tool that helps students develop business plans for agricultural enterprises. It provides step-by-step guidance, templates, and financial planning tools to support entrepreneurship and career readiness in agriculture.

GoOpen SAE HUB Page: A platform offering a wealth of open educational resources (OER) that can be easily integrated into your lesson plans, helping to enrich classroom instruction and support diverse learning needs.

MANNRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences): A national society that promotes academic and professional advancement by empowering minorities in agricultural and sustainability fields through networking, leadership development, and career opportunities.

FFA & 4-H: National organizations that provide students with hands-on learning experiences, leadership development, and opportunities to explore careers in agriculture, science, and technology.

Looking for a space to connect, share, and grow your SAE projects? You’re on the Seeds of Security Council community page—a place where we collaborate, exchange ideas, and support each other in all things related to Sustainability and Agricultural Education (SAE). Share your garden progress, offer key insights, and help fellow members by sharing events, ideas, and resources. Let’s work together to strengthen our community and inspire agricultural innovation!

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Join us today: Seeds of Security Council Community

We encourage you to explore these resources and take advantage of the many opportunities they offer to enrich your teaching and empower your students.

If you have any questions or need further support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Student Resources

Welcome Students!

Looking for a space to connect, share, and grow your SAE projects? You’re in the right place! Explore exciting opportunities to expand your knowledge, develop leadership skills, and prepare for a successful future in agriculture.

Here are some incredible resources you can take advantage of:

MANNRS: Join a nationwide network of students and professionals who are passionate about agriculture, leadership, and career development.

FFA & 4-H: Get involved in hands-on projects, competitions, and leadership opportunities that will help you grow both personally and professionally.

SAE Practicum and Curriculum: Gain hands-on experience through SAE practice tests, practicums, and the senior capstone project, all designed to prepare you for real-world agricultural careers and advanced studies.

Dual Enrollment at UV I: Take advantage of our partnership with the University of the Virgin Islands to earn college credits while completing your SAE projects, giving you a head start on your future career in agriculture.

Join the Seeds of Security (SOS) Council Community!
This is your space to collaborate, exchange ideas, and support each other in all things related to sustainability and agricultural education. Share your project progress, gain insights from mentors, and connect with professionals to explore career opportunities in agriculture—an industry at the frontier of innovation and offering high-paying, in-demand careers.

Be the future of sustainability & agriculture—join us today!

Seeds of Security Council

Careers in Agriculture

The agricultural sciences career cluster encompasses a wide range of occupations related to the production and utilization of plants and animals for food, fiber, aesthetics, and environmental sustainability. Careers in agriculture continue to play a vital role in the economy, offering opportunities in food production, environmental conservation, and renewable resources. Agriculture, food, and related industries contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, supporting millions of jobs and driving innovation across various sectors.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, agribusiness and agritourism have emerged as leading industries, generating significant economic impact and offering unique employment opportunities. With over 90% of our food currently imported, there is a high potential for students to build rewarding and lucrative careers in agriculture by contributing to the development of a sustainable local agricultural sector. This reliance on imports creates a strong demand for locally produced food and goods, opening up opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth. The agriculture sector in the Virgin Islands offers numerous pathways to financial stability and high-earning potential, with ample opportunities to establish businesses, enter the workforce, and contribute to a more self-sufficient economy.

The Sustainability & Agricultural Education department recognizes the critical role of agriculture in our community's well-being, emphasizing its potential for job creation, economic diversification, and cultural preservation. Our sustainability & agricultural programs play a crucial role in preparing the future workforce for success in this evolving sector. By participating in these programs, students will gain the essential skills and knowledge to pursue fulfilling careers in agritourism, sustainable farming, and related fields, positioning themselves at the forefront of an industry poised for growth and prosperity.

Higher education opportunities at institutions like the University of the Virgin Islands will equip students with the expertise to drive innovation and sustainability in the agricultural industry. As agritourism and local food production continue to expand, the need for skilled professionals in areas such as farm-to-table operations, eco-tourism, and sustainable food production will continue to rise.