Project Overview
Commodities
Practices
Proposal abstract:
Puerto Rico faces critical challenges in agricultural sustainability and food security due to extreme weather events and a heavy dependence on imported food. To address these issues, this project seeks to promote the preparation and use of organic fertilizers and establish spaces for community food gardens and pollinator gardens in new housing projects developed by the Puerto Rico Department of Housing.
The project has three main components. First, an educational and practical manual on the preparation and use of organic fertilizers will be developed. This manual will feature case studies from Puerto Rico, step-by-step guides, and strategies to optimize organic fertilization and promote biodiversity. Second, two practical workshops will be conducted for 40 participants, including 20 Extension Faculty and 20 farmers, agronomists, and other stakeholders. These workshops will focus on composting techniques, organic fertilizer application, and organic waste management, with applications for both farms and homes. Third, the project will promote legislation requiring the inclusion of community food gardens and/or pollinator gardens in new housing developments. Meetings with legislators and community members will be organized to ensure support and effective implementation of the proposed legislation.
This initiative is expected to increase local resilience, strengthen biodiversity, and enhance local food production capacity. By fostering sustainable practices and advocating for policy changes, the project will empower Puerto Rican communities to address pressing food security challenges while promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Project objectives from proposal:
The main objective for the next cycle is to promote the preparation and use of organic fertilizers, as well as to create spaces for the development of food community gardens and/or pollinator gardens in new projects developed by the Puerto Rico Department of Housing. To achieve these goals, an educational and practical manual on the use of organic fertilizers will be developed, aimed at Extension Faculty, farmers, and other professionals involved in sustainable agriculture.
Puerto Rico faces significant challenges in terms of agricultural sustainability and food security, exacerbated by extreme weather events and a high dependence on imported food. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), promoting organic fertilizers and integrating community gardens and/or pollinator gardens in communities can increase local resilience, strengthen biodiversity, and encourage more sustainable natural resource management.
Development of an Educational and Practical Manual
- Description: A manual will be created on the preparation and use of organic fertilizers, including specific strategies to optimize organic fertilization and promote biodiversity. This material will be visually engaging and tailored to local needs, featuring Puerto Rico case studies and step-by-step guides.
- Timeline: The manual will be completed within three to four months.
Training in the Preparation and Use of organic fertilizers
- Description: Two practical workshops will be conducted to train 40 participants (20 Extension Faculty and 20 farmers, agronomists, and other interested individuals). The workshops will focus on composting techniques, organic fertilizer's application, and organic waste management, for farm and home uses.
- Timeline: The workshops will be conducted once the educational manual is completed.
Promotion of Legislation for Community food Gardens and/or Pollinator Gardens
- Description: The committee aims to promote legislation encouraging the inclusion of designated areas for community food gardens and/or pollinator gardens in new projects developed by the Department of Housing. This legislation will support local food production, food security, and biodiversity. Additionally, meetings will be organized with state legislators and communities to ensure support and effective implementation of this initiative.
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