Final report for EDS23-044
Project Information
Over the last 4 years, Puerto Rico has been experiencing one of the worst economic crisis in its history. This has stagnated economic development, reduced employment markets and led to the creation of the Financial Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) by the Federal Government. Hurricanes Irma and Maria, two earthquakes during 2020, and the COVID-19 outbreak, have aggravated this crisis. Although this series of events have weakened our fragile food security, an increased interest in small ruminant production has been observed. Lamb producers have seen an opportunity to enhance their production systems and improve marketing strategies foredible products.
In addition, a recent program sponsored by the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture Small Ruminant Production Fund (DA-SRPF) to import purebred replacement ewes and goats, and the use of sheep to manage grass in solar farms, and weeds in coffee and citrus plantations, have increased animal inventories. However, Puerto Rico continues to import lamb meat and goat dairy products for domestic consumption at higher prices than local products. In order to meet this demand, other livestock producers are responding by entering into this sector.
On the other hand, there are knowledge gaps on proper sheep production management practices, especially value added products, marketing and promotion. It is imperative that the local producer have access to the necessary tools to improve the competitiveness and promote the development, expansion, and the sustainable production of the animal industry, and the subsequent process of locally produced lamb edible products. To increase small ruminant productivity, sustainability, and profitability, a program developed to aid producers with appropriate educational materials is necessary. Through the knowledge of value added, low-cost production management practices, enhanced productivity and marketing, producers will achieve optimum production while producing a high-quality product.
Also, information in Spanish on sustainable small ruminant production, value added basics, marketing in tropical areas, specifically in Puerto Rico and the continental USA, is limited. The few available publications focused on that topic are only available in English. This fact limits the accessibility of information uneducated producers or those with limited internet access. Therefore, it's important to produce educational materials in this clientele’s native language.
The objective of this proposal is to create the "Tai Lamb Meat Marketing and Promotion Educational Program" (TAILAM-EP), that will target independent producers, Agricultural Extension Service county agents, and other clientele to educate them on 1) understanding Value Added process 2) Marketing Strategies 3) E-Commerce 4) Economics 5) Records 6) Budget. The TAILAM-EP will be using webinars, webpages, brochures, site visits and hands on as main delivery methods. As part of the proposal, a technical brochures will be written. An annual conference will be held with the participation of invited speakers.
To create the Tai Lamb Meat Marketing and Promotion Educational Program (TAILAM-EP) to develop educational materials to enhance sustainable small ruminant production on the island. Specific objectives include:
- Development and presentation of educational conferences via webinars and in-house for producers, county agents and other interested clientele on Sustainable Small Ruminant Production in the Tropic.
- Development of educational material, brochures on adding value to Lamb Meat and explaining the best way to market the product.
- Organization of the Annual Conference on Sustainable Lamb Production in the Tropic, focusing on marketing and promotion, with the participation of invited speakers from mainland United States or Latin American countries,
- Assessment of the impact of the TAILAM-EP on producers and county agent’s knowledge on adding value and marketing best principles.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation summary:
The outreach strategy combined virtual, in-person, and digital approaches to maximize reach and accessibility. The project delivered 11 webinars and training sessions led by both local and international experts from Uruguay, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Spain, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These activities provided participants with technical knowledge on lamb production, processing, value-added practices, and marketing strategies.
In-person outreach included on-farm demonstrations, workshops, and educational visits involving university students, high school students, producers, and agricultural professionals. These hands-on activities strengthened knowledge transfer and engagement across diverse audiences.
Digital outreach played a key role in expanding the project’s impact. The project website (www.tailam-ep.com) served as a central hub for educational materials, while the TAILAM-EP Facebook page was actively used to promote events and share project content. In addition, printed materials, including a technical manual in Spanish and multiple educational bulletins, were developed and distributed to support long-term learning.
Overall, the outreach efforts reached approximately 800 participants through virtual activities and over 300 individuals through in-person engagement, significantly extending the project’s educational impact.
The integration of multiple outreach methods ensured broad dissemination and long-term accessibility of the project’s educational resources.
Learning Outcomes
Improved animal management practices, including nutrition, health, and welfare of lambs
Adoption of value-added processing techniques and better product handling
Increased knowledge of direct marketing strategies and consumer preferences
Enhanced understanding of market opportunities for locally produced lamb
Improved decision-making related to pricing, product presentation, and distribution
Project Outcomes
The project resulted in measurable changes in knowledge and practices among participants, particularly in areas related to lamb production, processing, and marketing. Approximately 20 farmers and ranchers reported adopting improved practices, including better animal management, value-added processing techniques, and direct marketing strategies.
Participants demonstrated increased understanding of lamb meat production systems, product handling, and consumer preferences, which contributed to more informed decision-making. The project also strengthened connections between producers, service providers, and industry stakeholders, fostering a more coordinated approach to developing the local lamb market.
In addition, the integration of educational materials in Spanish, combined with both virtual and in-person training, enhanced accessibility and long-term knowledge retention. These outcomes support the continued growth and sustainability of the lamb industry in Puerto Rico.
Future efforts should focus on expanding consumer education and increasing product availability to further support the growth of the lamb market in Puerto Rico. The project demonstrated that lack of knowledge and limited access are key barriers to consumption, suggesting that continued investment in outreach, cooking education, and in-store tasting activities would be highly beneficial.
Additionally, strengthening partnerships between producers, processors, and retailers will be critical to improving distribution and ensuring consistent product availability. Further research could also explore value-added product development and pricing strategies to enhance market competitiveness.
Finally, continued support for Spanish-language educational materials and hybrid training approaches (virtual and in-person) is recommended to maximize accessibility and long-term impact across diverse audiences.