In response to growing concerns over drought conditions in the Virgin Islands, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett issued the following statement:
“I am deeply concerned about the impact the recent drought conditions is having in our community. My office has been in contact with Farm Service Agency (FSA) representatives for the Florida and Virgin Islands region and we are actively working to identify sources of relief for our local farmers and producers. We want our farmers to know that the district representative for the Florida/Virgin Islands region will be traveling to the territory early next week to work on relief efforts with local stakeholders. Through our efforts, the FSA Representative will meet with farmers and discuss plans to advance the recommendation of a disaster declaration to the state level. In the interim, the FSA is also working on including the Virgin Islands in the U.S. Drought Monitor Map, which provides a summary of drought conditions across the United States and Puerto Rico. This data helps with making drought relief decisions. My office has also been in contact with Agriculture Commissioner, Carlos Robles and local farmers to get a better understanding of the impact of the drought so that we can determine what emergency relief the territory is eligible for."
