Mainland U.S. tourists generally view the U.S. Virgin Islands as tropical getaways featuring emerald blue bays rimmed with soft, sandy beaches perfect for soaking in the sun while enjoying a fruity umbrella drink.  Port towns where cruise ships dock ebb and flow with tourists looking for local cuisine, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Beyond the tourist enclaves, though, are farms and villages populated by friendly farmers with gritty determination working to ease the islands' severe dependence on imported food to feed their families and their local communities.