USDA APPROVES DISASTER DESIGNATION FOR U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DUE TO DROUGHT

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

August 20, 2026 202-808-6129

PRESS RELEASE

USDA APPROVES DISASTER DESIGNATION FOR U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DUE TO DROUGHT

U.S. Virgin Islands - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John as primary natural disaster areas due to ongoing drought conditions across the Territory. Farm operators on all three islands are now eligible to apply for emergency loan assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), following the designation issued on August 20, 2026, by Deputy Under Secretary Brooke S. Appleton on behalf of USDA.

The designation - number 2026N00002336 - covers the entire Territory due to severe drought conditions recorded by the U.S. Drought Monitor. In 2019, as a result of Congresswoman Plaskett's advocacy with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Drought Monitor expanded to include the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to providing a general summary of current drought conditions, the U.S. Drought Monitor can trigger eligibility for permanent drought disaster relief programs. Until the drought monitor was extended to the Virgin Islands under Congresswoman Plaskett, farmers and others would be unable to receive drought support.

"Our farmers have carried the weight of this drought for months, and this designation is a critical first step toward getting them the relief they need," said Congresswoman Plaskett. "Agriculture is a vital part of our Territory's food security and our economy. I will continue fighting to make sure Virgin Islands farmers have every federal resource available to recover and rebuild. My office has been, and will continue to be, in close contact with the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture and USDA to support our agriculture community."

Congresswoman Plaskett added, "I extend my appreciation to the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Dr. Louis Petersen, as well as Governor Bryan and his Administration for their advocacy on behalf of our agricultural community. This disaster designation, which unlocks federal relief for our local farmers and ranchers, reflects their commitment to the Virgin Islands."

Farm operators in the designated areas may be considered for FSA emergency loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers have eight months from the date of the Secretarial disaster declaration to apply. Each application is considered individually by FSA, based on the extent of production losses and the applicant's security and repayment ability.

Virgin Islands farmers seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the local USDA Farm Service Agency office:

USDA Farm Service Agency - U.S. Virgin Islands

Sion Farm Shopping Center

Phone: (340) 773-9146, ext. 100

For more information, you may also contact Congresswoman Plaskett's offices on St. Croix at 340-778-5900 or St. Thomas at 340-774-4408.

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