Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute Wins

Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen is pleased to announce that Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute (VISFI) on St. Croix is the recipient of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2011 Business & Industry Award.

“The Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute continues to distinguish itself both locally and abroad by spreading the powerful message that – to be truly sustainable – organizations must empower the members of the larger community in which they are based,” said Congresswoman Christensen. “They have achieved success by working closely with our public schools, various community groups and interested persons, as well as, being an integral part in my effort to gain a Congressional designation of St. Croix as a National Heritage Area (NHA).”

Each year, EPA Region 2 honors individuals, businesses and organizations that have contributed significantly to improving the environment and protecting public health in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight federally recognized Indian Nations over the past year.

Environmental Quality Award recipients are chosen from the following categories: individual citizen, environmental education, press and media, business and industry, non-profit organization, environmental or community group, and federal, state, local or tribal agency. Congresswoman Christensen said she was honored to nominate VISFI in the Business and Industry category “as a leader in progressive, eco-conscious enterprise.”

Congresswoman Christensen also extended her congratulations to Program Director Nate Olive and Ridge to Reef Farm, the management entity of VISFI, on being chosen for an Environmental Quality Award. Winners receive a plaque recognizing their environmental achievement at a ceremony in late April coinciding with Earth Day.

For more information about VISFI, please visit www.visfi.org.

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