The Agricultural Heritage and Future of Puerto Rico

Current agricultural practices in Puerto Rico have roots in indigenous traditions.

Many crops consumed today, like yuca and batata, were historically grown by Indigenous peoples.

There has been a drastic shift, with Puerto Rico not producing most of its food anymore.

In Caguas, historical sites like petroglyphs and an indigenous woman's remains reveal cultural history.

Indigenous people had deep respect for Mother Nature, believing in a spiritual connection to the land.

The burial practices emphasized being returned to Mother Earth's womb.

Puerto Rico imports about 85% of its food, leading to significant vulnerabilities, especially during natural disasters.

After Hurricane Maria, local farmers with personal crops provided food while supermarkets faced shortages.

The Jones Act increases import costs, leading to higher prices for consumers in Puerto Rico.

Colonization led to the exploitation of indigenous land and labor, shifting agricultural practices to favor exports.

African slaves were brought to work sugar plantations, which continues to influence Puerto Rican cuisine today.

The shift from self-sufficiency in agriculture to dependency began with U.S. colonization and industrialization efforts.

The 1940s Operation Bootstrap aimed to industrialize Puerto Rico, reducing focus on agriculture.

Rural families moved to cities for factory work, shifting food production to centralized supermarkets.

Negative perceptions of agricultural lifestyles hinder the revival of traditional farming.

Young Puerto Ricans are advocating for food sovereignty, looking to return to local farming practices.

Interviews with local farmers highlight personal motivations and the economic viability of small-scale agriculture.

There's a growing interest in organic farming and ecological practices to restore food independence.

Successful examples of community-driven agriculture demonstrate the potential for sustainable farming in Puerto Rico.

Advocates emphasize the importance of local production to mitigate dependence on imports.

There is sufficient land available in Puerto Rico to support food sovereignty initiatives, emphasizing collaborative efforts.