Progress report for SPR24-A02
Project Information
The Puerto Rico Agricultural Extension Service (PRAES) will use SARE definitions on Sustainable Agriculture to describe sustainable farming activities similar in spirit and practice. This project will unite Sustainable Agriculture definitions with Extension faculty previous knowledge to establish the framework of extension on sustainability practices. We will translate, edit, and adapt SARE’s existing manual (“SARE Sampler of Sustainable Practices: What is Sustainable Agriculture?”) to be used by Extension faculty, farmers, and ranchers. This project intends to build knowledge and skills (train the trainers) on participants through virtual and field capacity building activities. Basic concepts are important in understanding the importance of those who want to perform farming as nontraditional agriculture. Is important for Extension faculty to recognize the benefits of those practices and how to implement them in different ecosystems. Participant Extension faculty will develop four sustainable farming practices in different ecosystems around the Island as a learning experience and a teaching tool to other Extension faculty, farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture professionals. This train the trainer’s capacity building strategy will help to pass knowledge to other Extension faculty, farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture professionals.
The principal objective is to combine some definitions on what is Sustainable Agriculture? Participants includes Thirty (30) Extension faculty. The main objective will be to translate a publication from SARE, SARE Sampler of Sustainable Practices, What is Sustainable Agriculture? Using the translated manual, we are going to create eight (8) educational modules based on sustainable practices. These modules will consist of eight (8) main topics, and they are going to be created by Extension Specialists. The eight (8) topics include Climate Resilience, Soil Health, Livestock Health and Husbandry, Community Vitality, Health and Wellbeing of People, Ecological Pest Management, Biological Diversity and Innovative Technologies, and Enterprises. The modules are going to be uploaded to UPRM’s Moodle platform and will be taught asynchronously. Each topic will have a component of evaluation that consists in a pre and posttest, to measure gained knowledge. A translated publication and the capacity building activities for Extension faculty are important for create a homogeneous definition and concepts of Sustainable Agriculture. The outcome of the project objectives will benefit farmers and ranchers, which are the end users of the passed knowledge and educational material through Extension activities. Capacity building activities to Extension faculty (train the trainers) will improve the sustainable agriculture information provided to farmers and ranchers on sustainable agriculture.
Once the manual is completed in the Spanish language, two workshops for farmers, ranchers and stakeholders will take place to share the publication and other SARE materials and let them know about the opportunity to become SARE grantees. Workshops are going to take place in the Southwest and Southeast PRAES regions and if be necessary in the other regions of Puerto Rico. Participant Extension faculty will develop four sustainable farming practices in different ecosystems around the Island as a learning experience and a teaching tool to other Extension faculty, farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture professionals. This train the trainer’s capacity building strategy will help to pass knowledge to other Extension faculty, farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture professionals. All work in the practice’s implementation will be documented with pictures and videos. This train the trainer’s capacity building strategy will help to pass knowledge to other Extension faculty, farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture professionals during four field days.
Two (2) meetings will take place with the Sustainable Agriculture Advisory Committee members to evaluate whether it is necessary to update the SARE’s strategic plan. Other outreach activities include visiting some agriculture festivals or activities related to the agriculture sector to reach farmers about the opportunity to become grantees.
Advisors
- (Educator and Researcher)
- (Educator)
Education
A manual was prepared featuring SARE-approved projects in Puerto Rico, focused on 8 topics: climate resilience, soil health, livestock and animal husbandry, community vitality, human health and well-being, biodiversity, coffee farming sustainability, and education. Additionally, we are in the process of creating short educational videos about these 8 topics to raise awareness about the benefits of these sustainable practices.
Sustainable practices are being implemented on four farms, related to cover crop establishment, efficient irrigation system management, waste management in a pig farm, soil preservation and health, and the use of biodegradable plastic. Field days will be held to train farmers and extensionist in the implementation of these sustainable practices and the benefit for the ecosystem
Education & Outreach Initiatives
Promote sustainable farming practices by establishing and managing cover crops to: Reduce wind and water erosion, Maintain or enhance soil health and organic matter content, Prevent and mitigate soil compaction
This ongoing initiative includes a field day at a demonstration site located on a farm in southern Puerto Rico. The event will provide an opportunity for extension agents, farmers, and agricultural professionals to observe and evaluate cover crop systems in action. Through guided field tours and hands-on learning, participants will gain practical knowledge about: Selecting appropriate cover crop species based on soil type and cropping system, Planting and termination methods, Seasonal rotation strategies, Soil health indicators and biomass assessments, Economic and ecological benefits of integrating cover crops into production systems.
Explain how soil structure, biodiversity, and fertility impact agricultural productivity and sustainability.
This ongoing effort focuses on educating participants about how soil structure, biodiversity, and fertility directly influence agricultural productivity and long-term sustainability. It includes hands-on training to help participants identify key soil health indicators such as stable aggregates, the presence of earthworms, a rich earthy smell, adequate drainage, and proper soil texture.
It also demonstrates practical management techniques like cover cropping, the use of green manures, composting, reduced tillage, crop rotation and the application of organic matter to improve and maintain soil health.
Train pig producers, students, and agricultural technicians in best practices for managing waste generated on pig farms, promoting sustainable, safe, and environmentally responsible systems.
This Field Day aims to educate and demonstrate effective practices for managing solid and liquid waste in pig farming systems. Through hands-on demonstrations, participants will learn about: Identifying sources of waste on pig farms (manure, wash water, feed residues), Best practices to prevent contamination of water bodies and soils, Biosecurity strategies and odor control measures.
Train farmers, technicians, and students in the design, operation, and maintenance of efficient irrigation systems.
Demonstrate how proper irrigation management can improve application uniformity, reduce water waste, and optimize fertilizer use.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
Face of SARE
Our team has actively participated in multiple agricultural fairs, professional forums, and educational outreach activities, consistently promoting and encouraging potential applicants to seek SARE grant opportunities. Additionally, we have significantly raised SARE visibility and presence across Puerto Rico