Puerto rico imports over 80% of food consumed and in recent years numerous challenges (hurricanes, earthquakes, the pandemic) have further exacerbated the vulnerability of its food chains

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the Agricultural Extension Service $11,615,816.13 under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program (CFDA 10.511) on October 1, 2025, for cooperative agricultural extension activities in Puerto Rico through September 30, 2030.

The award funds three core service areas addressing Puerto Rico's food security crisis. Under Critical Issue #1, the Agricultural Extension Service will increase local animal and crop production and improve biosecurity by implementing programs for farms that supply food products. Critical Issue #2 targets sustainable agricultural practices including soil health, organic production, water conservation, micro-irrigation systems, sustainable forestry, and native plant conservation for ecosystem restoration; delivery mechanisms include workshops, field demonstrations, and partnerships with USDA agencies and local institutions. Critical Issue #3 addresses food safety through certified training for retail food managers on FDA regulations and Food Safety Modernization Act compliance, along with community programs promoting home-based food safety and training for industries, farmers, and farm personnel.

The Agricultural Extension Service, a 1862 land-grant college administered through the University of Puerto Rico, serves as the recipient. Performance occurs across Puerto Rico.

Through critical issue #1, AES aims to increase local animal and crop production, and improve the system's biosecurity, by putting into place well planned programs to be adopted by farms that supply food products. Critical issue # 2 will be addressed by focusing on sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize soil health, organic production, water conservation, and micro-irrigation systems, alongside sustainable forestry and native plant conservation for ecosystem restoration. Educational strategies will include workshops, field demonstrations, and partnerships with USDA agencies and local institutions. Critical issue # 3 is a central concern for AES. Public health agencies require certified training for food service managers to curb foodborne illnesses. Since adopting the FDA food code in 2000, puerto rico mandates that food managers demonstrate P roficiency in safety protocols. Under the food safety, science, and technology critical issue AES will deliver certified training to retail food managers and operate community programs to promote home-based food safety. AES will provide training to industries, far mers, and farm personnel on applicable FDA regulations and compliance with the food safety modernization act (FSMA). Natural disasters and health emergencies have exposed the inadequacies of puerto ricos import-reliant supply chain. The AES food security, plant, and animal program will continue implementing strategies to strengthen the resilience of local food systems. Central to this effort is promoting sustainable local food production and consumption through the selection of pest and disease resistant varieties of crops, organic amendments, and resource conservation. Puerto rico prolonged recession, cumulative natural disasters, and persistent out-migration have produced a multilayered crisis characterized by high unemployment and poverty rates that quadruple the united states average. Activities related to critical issue # 4 will be advancing integrated strategies aimed at rebuilding food systems and revitalizing local economies. The first measure to be implemented is an integrated rural-employment strategy centered on entrepreneurial capacity building and value-added production. This initiative seeks to reconstitute the agricultural labor force by furnishing producers and displaced workers with training in business planning, cooperative governance, and labor-saving technologies. By embedding these practices within community-based learning hubs, AES initiatives will enhance labor productivity and generate adequate employment that helps stem out-migration and rebuild social capital. Critical issue # 5 will work to address the persistent socio-economic and public health challenges affecting puerto rican communities. One significant measure involves strengthening food security through P ractical, context relevant interventions. AES programs will equip families with the skills needed to make informed choices about nutrition, food safety, and sustainable household food practices. Equally vital is AES health and well-being initiative, which addresses the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, mental health conditions, and preventable cancers. Critical issue #6, focus in participative, and active learning environments through 4-H mentoring. Structured opportunities for meaningful engagement will elevate youth agencies and ensure their community development efforts. In a context where over half of puerto rican children live in poverty, 4- H programs are designed to increase participation by integrating leadership training. 4-H program emphasis on community engagement will equip participants with the skills to navigate complex challenges and contribute to their communities. Another priority is the advancement of steam education.