An estimated 30,000 people attended the 32nd annual Agriculture and Food Fair of the U.S. Virgin Islands, held Feb. 15-17 on St. Croix. A blimp bearing the UVI logo marked the spot of the dozens of UVI exhibits and offerings at the northern end of the fair grounds in Estate Lower Love. Clarice Clarke, Cooperative Extension Service public information specialist, said that this year the UVI displays saw an increased number of visitors.

"This year we saw a tremendous increase in the number of people who visited the exhibits," said Clarke, noting several things that contributed to the increase. She said that CES, which organizes UVI's participation in the fair, increased publicity, changed the location of UVI's tent and made the layout of the exhibits more interactive.

Also a great honor for UVI was when AES Research Analyst Aberra Bulbulla was named Produce Farmer of the Year. Bulbulla, a farmer of eight years, said he felt great about receiving the award. He grows more than 30 different varieties of fruit trees and plants on his four-acre farm in Mountain Estate.