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Given that Puerto Rico produces less than 15% of its food supply, food security faces significant challenges, especially in rural regions.
In light of this urgent concern, the Barranquitas and Guayama campuses of Inter-American University of Puerto Rico are leading efforts to create a Meat and Poultry Processing Workforce Training Center. Supported by a $950,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded in 2023, this four-year initiative aims to rejuvenate the agricultural sector in Puerto Rico by cultivating a skilled workforce in meat and poultry production and processing, as stated by NIFA.
According to Project Director Dr. Yesenia Rivera Rivera, the project goes beyond mere training.
“This initiative, in addition to providing training, represents a business opportunity for those looking to join the meat industry in Puerto Rico equipped with skills and knowledge that will make them competitive,” she stated. “Simultaneously, it ensures that Puerto Ricans have access to fresh food from farm to table, thereby reducing the risk of food scarcity.”
The initiative highlights the crucial impact agriculture can have on food security, employment creation, and economic development. By prioritizing meat and poultry production, the project aims to reinforce the supply chain for these vital animal-based proteins, which are the primary protein source for the residents of Puerto Rico. Currently, only 8.86% of beef, 3.4% of pork, and 21% of chicken consumed in the territory is produced locally. The new training center is designed to increase these figures, lessening reliance on imports while boosting food security.
This training center will mark the first of its kind in Puerto Rico. It plans to enroll 110 students, providing specialized academic programs that align with industry standards. Each campus will feature cutting-edge laboratories, offering students practical experience in meat and poultry processing at an industrial scale. The hands-on training will be supplemented by online coursework, making the programs available to a broader audience.
The initiative also aims to collaborate with industry specialists and the Small Business Technology Development Center to keep the curriculum pertinent and current. A symposium centered on meat and poultry processing will be organized as part of the project, facilitating collaboration among academia, industry stakeholders, and farmers to exchange knowledge and best practices.
By focusing on the education and training of a new wave of meat and poultry professionals, proponents believe the initiative will not only fortify Puerto Rico’s agricultural sector but also pave the way for economic vitality and sustainability.
