In times of uncertainty and change, the greatest opportunities often emerge. The recent economic and trade shifts expected to impact Puerto Rico undoubtedly represent a challenge—but they also invite us to turn this moment into the catalyst our local agriculture has long been waiting for.
The Perfect Time for Agricultural Transformation
Puerto Rico imports over 80% of the food it consumes. This longstanding reality has made us vulnerable to global economic disruptions. The new tariffs announced by the U.S. administration may raise the cost of imported goods—but they also bring forth a powerful question: When will we begin to strengthen our own?
Every crisis brings a new opportunity. This is the moment for Puerto Ricans to rediscover the value of our land and its power to feed us.
From Dependency to Sovereignty at the Table
Food dependence goes beyond economic risk—it’s a matter of identity, security, and collective wellbeing. Reducing our reliance on imported food means:
- – Economic stability: Locally produced food is less vulnerable to global price swings and shipping costs.
- – Job creation: A revitalized agricultural sector can generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
- – Cultural pride: Consuming what we grow reconnects our cultural identity with our economy.
- – Environmental protection: Sustainable local agriculture helps preserve our natural ecosystems.
- – Food security: In times of crisis, having the ability to feed ourselves is invaluable.
A New Generation of Agri-Entrepreneurs
Across the island, young farmers and entrepreneurs are embracing agriculture with fresh vision—blending traditional practices with modern innovation. Their work is proving that a sustainable and profitable agricultural industry in Puerto Rico is not only possible—it’s already underway.
From hydroponic farms supplying local restaurants to agricultural cooperatives transforming communities, success stories abound.
As tariffs impact the prices of imported goods, large distributors, supermarkets, and institutional buyers in the U.S. will increasingly seek “domestic” solutions to reduce costs.
Puerto Rico, part of the U.S. framework, with a tropical climate, untapped agricultural capacity, and visionary producers, is ready to step up.
AGROHACK: The Epicenter of Puerto Rico’s Agricultural Revolution
In this pivotal context, AGROHACK Conference & Expo 2025 emerges as a transformative event. On May 10, the Puerto Rico Convention Center will host the island’s most important gathering of agricultural innovation and action.
Financing and Investment
Capital is to agribusiness what water is to plants—essential for growth. Fortunately, there are more funding options than ever before for those ready to invest in Puerto Rican agriculture. At AGROHACK, you’ll discover:
- – Federal programs: The USDA offers diverse grants and technical assistance.
- – Local incentives: Puerto Rico’s government is providing tax incentives to encourage agricultural investment.
- – Private investment: Investment funds are recognizing the sector’s growing potential.
- – Puerto Rico Farm Credit: Supporting local producers for over 100 years.
The availability of funding reflects a hopeful truth: there is growing confidence in our agricultural future.
Innovation: The Bridge to a Competitive Future
Technologies like hydroponics, vertical farming, smart irrigation systems, crop-monitoring drones, and digital platforms connecting farmers with consumers are revolutionizing agriculture worldwide.
Puerto Rico has all the ingredients to become a global agricultural innovation hub:
- – An educated, creative workforce
- – Top-tier agricultural research programs at our universities
- – A climate that enables year-round cultivation
- – Unique biodiversity for specialized crops
- – A connected diaspora ready to exchange knowledge and technology
Innovation increases productivity, inspires new generations, and reframes agriculture as a dynamic, vital industry that sustains a nation’s wellbeing.
AGROHACK: More Than a Conference—It’s a Movement
AGROHACK is designed to be a launchpad for Puerto Rico’s agricultural transformation. Through:
- – Keynotes from industry leaders — Learn from those shaping the future of agriculture.
- – Hands-on workshops and mentoring — Gain the tools and skills to grow your agri-business.
- – Strategic networking — Connect with future partners, clients, suppliers, and investors.
- – Tech showcases — Discover cutting-edge tools revolutionizing the agri-sector.
- – Access to financing — Meet decision-makers from financial institutions ready to support your ideas.
Everything at AGROHACK is built to empower those ready to act.
Let’s Make It Happen
The changes we’re seeing are more than warnings—they’re invitations to reimagine our agricultural future.
We invite you to:
- Prioritize locally grown products in your everyday shopping
- Explore investment opportunities in agriculture—as a grower, service provider, or supporter
- Learn about modern agricultural practices—from urban farming to commercial-scale innovation
- Share knowledge with your community on the importance of local production
- Join AGROHACK 2025 and be part of Puerto Rico’s transformation
Cultivating for and with Our People
The economic challenges we face today can become the fertile soil from which a prosperous agricultural future for Puerto Rico grows.
We now have a unique chance to build a food system that is resilient, just, and sustainable.
Puerto Rico’s path toward food sovereignty is a collective project—one that needs farmers, consumers, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and policymakers alike. We all have a role to play.
At AGROHACK, we believe Puerto Rico has everything it needs to become a model of agricultural innovation for the Caribbean—and beyond. With our natural resources, human talent, technical expertise, and love for our land, the moment to unite and act is now.
We’ll see you on May 10 at the Convention Center—ready to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities, and plant the seeds for a stronger, more self-sufficient Puerto Rico.
Because growing our own is an act of love for our land and our people.