A FOCUS ON FARMING, CULTURE & TECH AT 54TH AGRIFEST

Former USVI Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Arthur C. Petersen, Jr., gives remarks during a ceremony held at Government House on Feb. 12, where he and other honorees were recognized for their contributions to the growth of agriculture and Agrifest in the territory. Photo Credit: Government House - US Virgin Islands/Facebook.

The Annual Agriculture & Food Fair of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Agrifest, held each year on St. Croix, is arguably one of the biggest cultural events in the territory, only second to our Carnival, Festival and Celebration revelries.

Now in its 54th year and bearing the theme, “Agriculture and Technology: An Ideal Mix in 2026,” this year’s event is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the Rudolph Schulterbrandt Agriculture Grounds in Estate Lower Love, Feb. 14-16, and will focus on culture, farming and technology in the Virgin Islands.

During an awards ceremony held at Government House on Feb. 12, local farmers, culture bearers, and agriculture leaders were recognized for their decades-long contributions to the growth of agriculture in the USVI, as well as for their guardianship of the territory’s culture and traditions, particularly on St. Croix.

Among the top honorees was Dr. Arthur C. Petersen, Jr., former Commissioner of Agriculture, who, during his tenure, is credited for significant improvements to the fairgrounds, and expansion of Agrifest programming and popularity. This year’s Farmers’ Market at the fair is named in his honor.

“The Crucian Cake Queen,” as Renita Johannes is affectionately known, was also bestowed the honor of having the 2026 Food Pavilion bear her name. She is a vending fixture at the annual fair and is beloved for her traditional Vienna cakes, a staple in USVI food culture.

Gates open at 8 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 14 with an opening ceremony slated to begin at 10 a.m. Agrifest will run through the Presidents’ Day weekend. Tickets are available for purchase at the fairgrounds.

For more events in and around the USVI this weekend, check out our 2026 Events Guide.