Puerto Rico's agriculture & Food Industry

Puerto Rico's agricultural industry, though significantly diminished from its historical prominence, remains a critical sector with immense potential for growth and enhanced food security. Grappling with the compounded challenges of hurricanes, droughts, and a high reliance on imports, the island is actively seeking to revitalize its local food production.

Overview of Puerto Rico's Agricultural Industry

Historically, agriculture was the backbone of Puerto Rico's economy, dominated by sugar cane production. However, a major shift towards manufacturing in the mid-20th century led to a significant decline in the agricultural sector. Today, agriculture constitutes a relatively small portion of the island's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), estimated at around 0.8% or approximately US$808 million as of 2022. Despite this, it holds profound importance for employment, cultural heritage, and, critically, food security.

Out of Puerto Rico's total land area, approximately 22% is classified as agricultural land, with about 6.6% as arable land and 5.6% for permanent crops (2018 estimates). In 2022, there were 7,602 farms accounting for 494,481 cuerdas (approximately 480,000 acres) of farmland, representing 21.9% of all land in Puerto Rico. While the number of farms has declined over the past two decades, the average farm size has increased, indicating a trend towards consolidation or larger-scale operations.

Major Areas of Agriculture in Puerto Rico

Agricultural production is dispersed across the island, with key regions contributing significantly to the overall value:

• Northern and Central Coastal Plains (e.g., Arecibo, Santa Isabel, Salinas): These areas are significant for milk production and poultry, which are among the top agricultural commodities by value. Vegeta Known for intensive vegetable and fruit production, benefiting from irrigation systems.
• Central Mountainous Region (e.g., Utuado, Lares, Adjuntas, San Sebastián): Traditionally the heart of coffee production. Also important for plantains, root crops (like yams and sweet potatoes), and some vegetables. The higher elevations and cooler temperatures are ideal for coffee.
• Eastern and Western Coastal Areas: Support fruit crops (mangoes, pineapples) and some minor crops.

Drought, Hurricanes, and Flooding: A Triple Threat

Puerto Rico's agriculture is extremely vulnerable to natural disasters, which pose recurring and devastating threats:

• Hurricanes: These are the most destructive events. Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused catastrophic damage, with initial estimates of $200 million in crop losses and an estimated global loss of $2.8 billion across agricultural sectors and infrastructure.
  • Crop Destruction: Widespread devastation of perennial crops like coffee, plantains, and bananas, and annual crops. Many farmers lost at least 80% of their crops, with some losing everything.
  • Livestock Losses: Significant loss of animals, particularly poultry (estimated 1.3 million chicks lost) and dairy cows (4,200 milking cows lost), due to lack of power, feed, and water.
  • Infrastructure Damage: Destruction of farm buildings, irrigation systems, and vital agricultural infrastructure.
  • Electricity Dependent Industries: The milk industry, heavily reliant on refrigeration, suffered a 50% production loss post-Maria due to power outages.
  • Long-term Recovery: Recovery can take years, especially for tree crops like coffee (estimated 3 years or longer post-Maria to return to previous output levels).
• Drought: Despite its tropical climate, Puerto Rico experiences periodic droughts, particularly in the southern and eastern regions. These lead to:
  • Reduced Crop Yields: Lack of rainfall negatively impacts rain-fed crops.
  • Water Restrictions: Droughts can lead to water rationing, affecting irrigation for farms and increasing operational costs.
  • Pasture Degradation: Affects livestock, leading to reduced milk production and potential animal losses.
• Flooding: Associated with heavy rainfall, often from hurricanes or tropical storms, flooding can:
  • Wash Away Farmland: Topsoil erosion and complete loss of planted crops.
  • Damage Infrastructure: Can destroy irrigation channels, roads, and farm access.
  • Contaminate Fields: Floodwaters can carry contaminants, impacting soil health and future yields.

The combined impact of these events significantly undermines Puerto Rico's food security and agricultural resilience.

Major Produce Items and Volumes

Puerto Rico's agricultural output spans a variety of commodities, though volumes are often insufficient to meet local demand.

Top Commodities by Value of Sales (2022 Census):

• Milk: $173 million (the leading agricultural product by value)
• Poultry and Poultry Products: $111.2 million
• Field Crops: $74 million (includes various grains and other field crops)
• Plantains: $56.3 million (a major staple)
• Nursery/Greenhouse/Floriculture: $49.8 million
• Fruits and Coconuts: $47.5 million
• Vegetables/Melons: $42.5 million
• Cattle and Calves: $36.0 million
• Coffee: Historically significant, but heavily impacted by hurricanes.

Other Major Produce Items (tropical commodities):

• Cassava (Yucca)
• Sweet potatoes
• Yams
• Avocados
• Pineapples
• Bananas
• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)
• Various leafy greens and herbs (increasingly grown in controlled environments)

Livestock:

• Cattle: Primarily for dairy and beef. The dairy industry is the largest agricultural sector by value.
• Meat: Beef, pork, and goat meat are consumed.
• Poultry: Chicken meat and eggs are significant, though production was severely impacted by Hurricane Maria.
• Eggs: Production is vital for local consumption.

Fishing/Seafood:

• Puerto Rico has coastal fisheries, but local catches are limited and do not meet demand. Popular seafood includes various reef fish, snapper, mahi-mahi, and shellfish.
• Aquaculture is a developing sector, with efforts to expand fish farming.

Popular Food Items and Internal Consumption

Puerto Rico's cuisine reflects its rich cultural heritage, with staple foods and popular dishes often relying on local produce:

• Arroz con Gandules: Rice with pigeon peas, a quintessential Puerto Rican dish.
• Mofongo: Fried plantain dish, mashed with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings, often served with meat or seafood.
• Lechón Asado: Roasted pork, a festive dish.
• Tostones: Fried green plantain slices.
• Pasteles: Similar to tamales, made from grated root vegetables and plantains, filled with meat, and wrapped in banana leaves.
• Sancocho: Hearty root vegetable and meat stew.
• Fresh Fruits: Mangoes, papayas, passion fruit, pineapples, and bananas are widely enjoyed.

Internal Consumption and Import Dependency: Puerto Rico faces a severe food security challenge due to its heavy reliance on food imports. It produces only an estimated 15% of the food it consumes, meaning 85% of its food is imported, primarily from the U.S. mainland. This high dependency leaves the island highly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, such as those caused by hurricanes or global economic shocks, leading to food shortages and price spikes. The Jones Act, a federal law requiring goods shipped between U.S. ports to be carried on American-flagged ships, has also been cited as contributing to higher shipping costs for imports.

Excess Produce, Food Storage, and Food Banks

While the overall food production is insufficient to meet demand, some post-harvest losses do occur for certain crops due to:

• Limited Cold Chain Infrastructure: Lack of adequate refrigeration and cold storage facilities, particularly for small farmers, leads to spoilage of perishable produce.
• Poor Transportation: Inefficient farm-to-market transportation and damaged road networks can result in produce spoilage before it reaches consumers.
• Processing Limitations: A lack of robust agro-processing industries means surplus raw produce cannot be easily converted into value-added products with longer shelf lives.

Donating Excess to Local Communities:

• Food Banks: The Banco de Alimentos de Puerto Rico (Food Bank of Puerto Rico) is a key organization, part of the Feeding America network, dedicated to collecting donated food and distributing it to a network of charities, soup kitchens, and shelters across the island. Their mission became even more critical in the aftermath of hurricanes like Maria.
• Charitable Organizations: Numerous local churches, NGOs, and community-based organizations also engage in food distribution programs, relying on donations from individuals, businesses, and food banks.

Food Storage and Refrigeration Facilities: The resilience of Puerto Rico's food supply system, including storage and distribution, is a major concern due to its vulnerability to power outages caused by severe weather. There is a recognized need for increased investment in resilient electricity systems, including solar and other renewables, to power critical facilities like cold storage, particularly in agricultural areas. Initiatives like "Farm in the City" are promoting container farms with controlled environments and automated climate controls, offering solutions for year-round production and potentially decentralized cold storage.

Annual Revenue from Agriculture and Importance for Puerto Rican Economy

As noted, agriculture contributes about US$808 million (or 0.8%) to Puerto Rico's GDP. While this percentage is low compared to other sectors, its importance extends beyond direct economic figures:

• Employment: It's a significant employer, particularly in rural areas.
• Food Security: Crucial for reducing reliance on imports and bolstering local food supply in times of crisis.
• Rural Development: Supports rural communities and prevents further rural depopulation.
• Cultural Preservation: Maintains traditional farming practices and culinary heritage.

Number of People Employed and Living Conditions of Farm Workers

Agriculture accounts for a small percentage of total jobs in Puerto Rico, estimated at around 2% of total employment. In 2022, there were 7,602 farm operators. The average age of farm operators in Puerto Rico in 2022 was 60.3 years, indicating an aging farming population.

Living Conditions of Farm Workers:

• Income Instability: Many smallholder farmers and laborers face precarious incomes due to dependence on weather, market prices, and limited access to resources.
• Vulnerability to Disasters: Extreme weather events disproportionately impact farm workers, leading to loss of livelihoods and homes.
• Aging Workforce: The agricultural workforce is aging, and attracting younger generations to farming is a challenge due to perceived low profitability and hard work.
• Labor Conditions: While there are regulations and protections, particularly for seasonal migrant workers who may travel to the U.S. mainland, local farm workers may still face challenges related to wages, benefits, and working conditions. Historical accounts of migrant farmworkers from Puerto Rico highlight past issues of exploitation and poor living conditions, though efforts by groups like the Farmworkers' Support Committee (CATA) have sought to advocate for their rights.

Government Programs for Farmers and the Industry

Both the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture and various U.S. federal agencies (USDA) offer programs to support farmers and revitalize the industry:³⁴

• Disaster Assistance Programs: Crucial for recovery after hurricanes and other natural disasters (e.g., USDA's various disaster assistance tools).
• Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG): USDA program to help producers create new products, expand marketing, and increase income, with priority for beginning and veteran farmers.
• Conservation Programs: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers programs to promote sustainable farming practices, soil health, and water conservation.
• Agricultural Extension Services: Providing technical assistance, training, and information to farmers on improved practices, pest management, and marketing.
• Subsidies and Incentives: The local government provides some subsidies and incentives to encourage specific crop production and agricultural investment.
• Support for Specific Commodities: Focus on revitalizing key sectors like coffee, milk, and specialty crops.
• Promotion of Modern Agriculture: Encouraging adoption of new technologies like hydroponics, aquaponics, and controlled environment agriculture (e.g., container farms) to increase resilience and productivity, especially for urban agriculture and food security.
• Youth in Agriculture Programs: Efforts to engage younger generations in farming through training and support.

Food Byproduct Industries

The agro-processing sector in Puerto Rico has potential for growth but is not as extensive as in larger agricultural economies.

• Rum Production: A significant industry. Puerto Rico is known as the "Rum Capital," accounting for over 70% of the U.S. rum supply. This relies on sugarcane as a raw material, though local sugarcane production has drastically declined, leading to reliance on imported molasses for rum.
• Dairy Processing: Milk is processed into pasteurized milk, yogurt, and other dairy products by companies like Vaquería Tres Monjitas.
• Commercial Bakeries: Utilize flours for various baked goods.
• Animal Feed Manufacturing: Production of feed for poultry and livestock.
• Brewing: Compañía Cervecera de Puerto Rico produces Medalla Light beer.
• Fruit and Vegetable Processing: Limited processing of local fruits and vegetables into juices, jams, or canned goods.
• Biotechnology (AgBio): Puerto Rico is a hub for agricultural biotechnology research, particularly in seed development (corn, soy, sorghum, sunflower, cotton). Companies like Corteva Agriscience, Syngenta, and Bayer have a presence, making it a leader in transgenic crop permits in the U.S.

Dependence on Other Countries for Food

Puerto Rico's extreme dependence on food imports (85%) makes it highly vulnerable. This means that:

• Food Security Risk: Any disruption to shipping or supply chains directly impacts food availability on the island.
• Economic Vulnerability: The island's economy is highly susceptible to global food price fluctuations.
• Dietary Shifts: Reliance on imported processed foods can influence dietary patterns, potentially contributing to public health challenges.
• Lost Economic Opportunity: The high import bill represents a significant outflow of capital that could otherwise support local farmers and generate jobs.

Efforts to reduce this dependency are crucial for Puerto Rico's resilience and long-term sustainability. This involves strengthening local production, investing in resilient infrastructure, and fostering a robust agro-processing sector.