In 2012, in Puerto Rico there were 13,000 farms.
In 2012, in Puerto Rico there were 13,000 farms; in the recent agricultural census, between 8 and 10,000 farms are recorded; a substantial decrease in the figure reported for 2012. At present, the agricultural sector of the Puerto Rican economy reports approximately 0.62% of the gross domestic product, which produces 15% of the food consumed locally. Puerto Rico imports more than 80% of the food it consumes. Food dependence is the most dangerous and complex risk we face because it is a matter of personal and collective health, as well as a matter of identity.
A reality that should be scandalous, but it seems that there are few who are upset. That agricultural activity constitutes such a ridiculous fraction of our production is an immense and imminent danger. The sad consequence of an unforgivable abandonment for walking in pursuit of political arrangements and economic chimeras. The magnitude of adversity cannot be accidental; it looks like an orchestrated conspiracy in which even the stars line up to make us dependent to such an alarming degree.
It was not so long ago when agriculture was an economic pillar of a country with a substantial part of the workforce. Recovering that strength is not possible with the poverty wages that have been approved. If any legislation is necessary, it is one to protect local production by reducing imports.
Taínos
Agriculture in Boriquén was a fundamental part of the way of life of the natives.
It wasn’t always like that. Agriculture in Boriquén was a fundamental part of the way of life of the natives; cultivation was a community activity that collaborated in sowing and harvesting for subsistence and trade. The Taínos used sustainable agricultural techniques of slash and burn, where they cleared areas of forest to cultivate, then rest the land for its recovery and maintain the fertility of the soil.
The Taínos cultivated: cassava (essential to make casabe), corn, sweet potato, peanuts, pineapples, soursops and avocados. They had knowledge of plants and agricultural cycles, selecting seeds, when to sow and how to manage crops to maximize production;”. Its management was respectful of the environment and in harmony with nature.
The arrival of Europeans was devastating for Taíno agriculture. The introduction of new diseases, exploitation and change of cultivation altered traditional practices and contributed to the decline of the Taíno population.
Spanish Colony
With colonization, agriculture was positioned as one of the main economic activities of the island; vital for the subsistence of the population and export product.
Sugar cane soon became the most important crop and plantations were established that depended on slave labor.
The invaders introduced sugar, coffee and tobacco. Cane soon became the most important crop and plantations were established promoting the development of sugar mills that depended on slave labor.
During the 19th century, coffee became one of the main agricultural products and the Island became an important world exporter. Although sugar cane dominated, farmers grew: corn, cassava, fruits and vegetables, which contributed to the local diet and economy. Agriculture boosted the development of infrastructure on the island; roads and ports, to facilitate the transport of products.
In the 19th century, agriculture occupied 70% of the arable land and the Island was self-sufficient in: rice, tubers, corn, cotton, cocoa, coconuts, pepper, bananas, tobacco, vegetable dyes, coffee, sugar, pineapples and vanilla being a pillar of the economy.
American Territory
At the beginning of the 20th century, agriculture on the Island went through significant changes with the US occupation of 1898. New policies were implemented and sugar and tobacco crops were promoted. By the 20th century the coastal lands were dominated by sugar cane. At the same time, the livestock industry began in the interior of the island.
Dependence on export crops made the agricultural economy vulnerable to market fluctuations.
The monoculture policy precipitated the reduction of the acres destined for the planting of vegetables, food and other food products.
In 1900, the 500 Acres law was passed to prevent large economic interests from owning most of the agricultural land in Puerto Rico. It limited corporations to a maximum of 500 acres, while 25 percent of the tariff was imposed on all products imported from Puerto Rico to the United States and vice versa.
This responded to the concern that the Island would become a property of the American absentee corporations. The Law was a dead letter in the first decades of the 20th century.
Sugar interests and political powers strengthened the sugar plants, which managed to appropriate thousands of acres and generate millions of dollars in sales in the midst of the Great Depression.
The monoculture policy precipitated the reduction of the acres destined for the planting of vegetables, food and other food products. It then began to be absurd that most of the food that Puerto Ricans consume depends on imports.
Commonwealth.
The government implemented industrialization and agricultural development policies to modernize agriculture seeking to diversify production and promote food self-sufficiency. Programs were created to support local farmers, including subsidies, technical training and access to finance. In 1935, the “Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration (PRA)” was approved, dividing many of the agricultural lands into plots.
Puerto Rico’s agricultural transformation began with the approval of the 500-acre Act 26 of April 12, 1941, legislation that sought to promote agricultural development and production on the island with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. It allowed agricultural land owners to obtain tax benefits and subsidies if they cultivated or developed their land for food production.
In the 1950s, agriculture continued to play a crucial role in the island’s economy with 45% of the workforce employed within the sector. In 1994, the Reorganization Plan was established to create a structure that responds to the needs of farmers and the welfare of Puerto Rico that have not borne fruit.
Community orchards, vertical gardens and crops in small spaces have gained popularity, promoting local production of fresh and accessible food.
Agriculture in Puerto Rico faces significant challenges: competition from imported products, cement planting and climate change that is affecting local agriculture with more intense hurricanes, droughts and changes in rainfall patterns. Despite adversity, there is a growing interest in sustainable agriculture and organic food production. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sustainable and organic farming practices.
Local farmers are working to revitalize agricultural traditions and encourage greater local production. Maybe there has been an interest in urban agriculture. Community orchards, vertical gardens and crops in small spaces have gained popularity, promoting local production of fresh and accessible food.
As the global market evolves, farmers are exploring new crops that can be profitable; it includes the production of tropical fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs that can be marketed locally and in international markets. Awareness of local agriculture has increased among consumers. This has led to greater interest in local products, as well as educational initiatives that promote the understanding of agriculture and healthy eating.
Organic crops are a guarantee of environmental protection and food security. Locally produced foods are richer in nutrients and are less subject to international price fluctuations and transportation costs. Reducing food dependence means greater economic stability; the agricultural sector can generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Consuming what we produce connects our identity with our economy and increases pride in what we do.
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Copyright 2025 by Jose M. Umpierre. All images in this blog are in the public domain.
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