More than 200 agriculturists representing 22 countries will converge on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, from July 12–17, 2026, for the 58th Annual Caribbean Food Crops Society (CFCS) Conference at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Albert A. Sheen Campus.
“This conference highlights the importance of regional collaboration and innovation in strengthening food security across the Caribbean,” said Dr. Usman Adamu, director of the UVI School of Agriculture and chair of the local organizing committee. “UVI is honored to welcome agricultural leaders, researchers and practitioners to the Virgin Islands to share knowledge and advance solutions for sustainable agriculture.”
This year’s conference theme, “Increasing Food Security in the Caribbean through Innovative Agriculture,” will bring together researchers, farmers, extension professionals, educators, policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to explore innovative approaches to strengthening food systems across the Caribbean region.
The Caribbean Food Crops Society is an independent, nonprofit professional organization with an interdisciplinary membership dedicated to fostering communication among individuals and institutions advancing science, technology and food crop and livestock production throughout the Caribbean Basin. Founded in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 3, 1963, the organization has long played a critical role in supporting agricultural development and regional collaboration.
The U.S. Virgin Islands has been involved with CFCS since its inception, with St. Croix hosting the Society’s first annual meeting in 1963. The conference later returned to the Territory in 1974 and 1984, and subsequently every 10 years thereafter.
This year’s conference will feature oral and poster presentations, exhibits, a local farmers’ forum, and agricultural farm tours designed to encourage knowledge sharing and practical engagement with regional agricultural issues.
Conference registration fees are as follows: general registration – $350 per person (USD); local farmers – $150 per person (USD); and students – $100 per person (USD). Conference details, hotel accommodations, and registration information are available at www.uvi.edu/academics/school-of-agriculture/CFCS/.
The 2026 CFCS Conference is hosted by the University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, and the American Phytopathological Society–Caribbean Division.
“The week-long conference represents a strategically aligned opportunity to advance agricultural research, extension and regional collaboration consistent with the land-grant mission of the University of the Virgin Islands,” said Dr. Adamu. “It strengthens scientific and extension capacity, fosters partnerships among Caribbean agricultural institutions and promotes the application of research to improve agriculture and food production in the Virgin Islands and across the region.”
For more information, contact the UVI School of Agriculture at (340) 692-4090 or via email at mclavie@uvi.edu. Members of the media are encouraged to contact the Office of Public Relations at (340) 693-1059 or via email at pr@uvi.edu for media inquiries and interview requests.
About the UVI School of Agriculture
The University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture advances education, research and extension to strengthen agriculture, food security and environmental sustainability throughout the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. As part of UVI’s land-grant mission, the School provides academic programs, agricultural research, and cooperative extension services that support farmers, agribusinesses, youth and communities. Through innovation, partnerships and applied research, the School of Agriculture works to address local, regional and national challenges while promoting sustainable food systems, climate resilience, and economic growth. Learn more at www.uvi.edu/agriculture.
About the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture
The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture develops, supports, and promotes an economically lucrative agricultural industry in the US Virgin Islands while supporting farmers, consumers, and the environment. Three offices, ONE department.
