We need to bring back small scale farming. Sadly, Puerto Rico deals with serious food security issues as the island produces only 17.65% of the food it consumes, importing more than 82% from over 10 different countries.
We aim to introduce industrial hemp farming and collaborate with active farmers and growers to share challenges and successes in cultivating this remarkable plant.
In order to commit to programs to aid micro farmers, we are undertaking the research to formulate a workable plan on size and costs. Further we need to identify and work with government agencies that can help individuals get started with grants or loans, advance initiatives to promote local agricultural production of staple foods and support to keep farmers competitive with financial programs.
While we appreciate the quality of plant protein in hemp plants, we have also come to realize the importance of growing more local food for residents. While micronutrients like sprouts, which can be grown in greenhouses, are needed, there is also a significant need for micro or small-scale farming of various vegetables and fruits. Ideally, small farms can alternate their crop plantings with a season of hemp, which provides income during hurricane season and prepares the ground for the next planting of plantains come November. Hemp growing is unique in that it enriches the soil, and its complex root system also helps aerate the soil.
Challenges Advancing Micro Farming
History: In 1948, a law was passed to allow Puerto Ricans to elect their own governor and to later become a full commonwealth of the United States. Once a commonwealth, Operation Bootstrap was enacted which was a massive joint-industrialization effort between the United States and Puerto Rico. The bill led to a decline in agricultural industry and a boom in manufacturing and tourism. The lack of new agricultural jobs caused more than half a million Puerto Rican citizens to leave the island for the United States in order to find work.
Source: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/da5a0bd4d4884411b7f3526a003ffdc2
Source: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/da5a0bd4d4884411b7f3526a003ffdc2
Recent
Similar Projects
Importing Hemp Seeds
We have pre-screened and selected five hemp fiber seed varieties for research under Puerto Rico's growing conditions
Joint Research with UPR Mayaguez
We are currently negotiating the provisions of a research project and finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Agriculture at the University of Puerto Rico—Mayaguez
Supplying Seeds to Farmers
We are finalizing a comprehensive support plan and agreements for farmers to sign in order to receive our tested and approved variety of Industrial Hemp seeds