Progress 09/01/20 to 06/30/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audience focused on beginning farmers, ranchers and veterans. We indentified in the assessement phase our farmer pool was limited, we open it up to K-12 and thelocal communities. We encourage local participation toattract morecommunity involvement and collaborative between existing farners and ranchers, K-12 educationthroughout the commonwealth of puerto rico. Segar Advocacy Institute Call to Action was to understand the root cause of why Puerto Rico in the 21st century cannot sustain itself in sustainable agriculture and food product. The benefit of working with local USDA organizations - Asuccessful proactive approachimplemented by Segar AI was to actively seek out and establish a working relationship with local USDA organizations. We reached out to the USDA NRCSorganization and were contacted by Mr. Louise. Cruz Arroyo who was gracious enough to host a project meeting with our organization. The objective was to establish USDA best practices already in place within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that Segrar could use as a benchmark forprogram implementation. What was established was a working relationship with the local NRCSorganization to establish best practices in soil management and other argiculture irrigation best practices. On April 272022 local NRCScovered PR soil resources, climate and suitable agriculture systems based on available soils and climate andNRCS assistance Segar in the conservation planning process. NRCS provided a brief technical report from the based on theMilton Toro's farm on theNRCS nutrient management best practice. This was used to ID potential cropsfor farmers and ranchers.NRCS reviewed our a farmers list to compare it with there customers database and ID potential opportunities for outreach. The benefit of working with local UniversityIn collaboration with DEWEY University Department of Agronomy Segar Advocacy Institute was established an island-wide Agribusiness program. The Segar Agribusiness program was available in the surrounding communities to includeHato Rey, Juana Diaz, Manti and Carolina.The Agribusiness program educational framework was based on USDA agricultural best practice. The programs educational curriculum was written by university professors with subject matter expertise in all areas of agriculture. Classroom instruction and field exercises were co-shared by both Segar Agri-Techs and Dewey university students in the agronomy programs. The USDA funded program was open to beginning farmers, veterans and the local in the local community. From February 2023 through June 2024 Dewey University and SEGAR AI will provide a hands-on agricultural business experience for high school students. This will provide an experience that ultimately conduct to increase life skills, and will include: USDA best practice in outdorr farming Soil management with an emphaasis on natural ferilzers Increasing lsland bread basket staple foods to reduce food-securty and increase locat farm market and grocery store puchase agreements. Buy local Fundamentals in agriculture, from seed-to-harvest to production. Provide students with an understanding of soil sciences, including general knowledge on soil varieties and the different seeds. This includes a hands-on experience in both indoorsystems. Expected Outcome- STEMS researchand innovationwith a focus farmer rancher farm asset managemmet to create a frame work for sustainable agriculture. Ultimately, creating awareness on the importance of why we the island need to grow, grow and grow.. The Segar Advocacy Institute final USDA BFRDP report is a summary of the organization's ability to establish a sustainable agricultural framework that continues to reinforce USDA best practices in all areas ofreviving food production, food-security, and agricultural infrastructure in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.The current state-of-affairs is of concern and will require a comprehensive economic infrastructure development plan in all areas of commerce and a review of import and export regulations to be aligned with a current global supply-chain distribution model. Agriculture in Puerto Rico has undergone a profound transformation throughout its history. From being a mainstay of the economy in the past, accounting for 18.2% of the island's gross domestic product in 1950, it represents only 0.7% of the island's gross domestic product. The agricultural sector's contribution to GDP in fiscal year 2019 amounted to $715.7 million. The number of people employed in the agricultural sector is approximately 14,000 people. Garcia (2020) declares that only 15% of the food consumed on the island is produced locally, Changes/Problems:Some the challaeges we faced throughout the three year grant performance period includedstaffing losedue to illnesses and catastrophic hurricane, torrential rains,loss of power on a continual basis,contamainated drinking water, anaging farmingpopulation, the cutlural divide and mistrust in fedreal programs. We continually had to adapt to meet grant program delivables, which has been instrumental in receiving favorable interaction with all parties concerned. In addition, we met with the University of Puerto Rico department of agriculture and Puerto Rico Farm Bureau to develop strategies to assess farmers to retain and restore farmland and also acquire a list of current farmers and ranchers. Outcome: Mixed Results USDA Program Material:Upon review and evaluation of USDA literature, one of our first major hurdles "3months level of effort (LoE)" was the convertUSDA best practicedocuments from English-to-Spanish. In addition, we concluded that all converted USDA material would be done at a 7th grade reading level which included hand outs and short videos.Outcome:Results were positive - Increasedinterest COVID-19 Impact The current state as it relates to social gathering is still a bit contentious, primarily due to the continuous economic downturn and COVID-19 having an impact on the entire community.Outcome:Resulted in delay of program deliveables. The Cultural Divide in Puerto Rico runs deep, statistically speaking our estimates are1 to 4 ratio, 1 equal to change and 3 choose to remain with a subsistence farming lifestyle. This was also consistent with farmers and ranchers less then 10 year's experience. The number one contributing factor and potential root causes that can be substantiated and data modeled is that there is no clearly defined economic development pathways to achieve agricultural sustainability.Outcome: Mixed Results Our primary mission objective was the implement of the USDA LRVBFRto create a scalable footprint that could be a paradigm shift in the islands ability to revive its agricultural production for food-securities. We also, had to consider the impact and devastation of the infrastructures, clean drinking water, lack of farm production infrastructure and sustainable energy. In addition, the health and well-being of farmers and ranchers were also a key part of our program mitigation strategy.. Without a healthy farmers and ranchers,you can't have expanded agricultural growth. Anincreasein nearshore economic development is recommended to be priority number one for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.Outcome: Mixed Results What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Our training and professional development opportunities were based on providing USDA best practices and developing a business framework to foused on offering more technology and innovation farm research, corp devolopment, manufactuting and expanded agricutlural food production opportunities. We provided instruction on building farm management plans, understanding the financial obligations andmanaging all aspects of agricultural operations. In addition, weprovidedworkshops in collaboration with other organizations to fostera self awareness and working with others. Throughout the three-year program history, we contined to over come, adaptand improvise due to events out of our control, How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The dissemination of information was acomplishedin severals ways to have the best postive outcome and inrease maximum local participation. Results of this Segar AI LRVBFRprogram has been received with positve feed back.Demographic Note: Older farmers and rangchers were very reluctantto atttend events and recieve infomation. If we offered them a stipend, they were more than welling to be paided but we never reicived any postive feed back. Contining Education - Todate through the continuing efforts of Dewey University and our AgriBusiness program still continue toteach and foster the goals and objectives of the LRVBFRgrant deliveables torevive food production in Puerto Rico by creating and strengthening productivity fromlimited resource, and veteran beginning farmers and ranchers (LRVBFR) in the Commonwealth. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Segar AI long term goal of LRVBFRprogramwas to revive food production in Puerto Rico by creating and strengthening productivity fromlimited resource. Key to our mission statement was to connect with local farmers and community leaders to attract, veterans and beginning farmers. Our program milestons aligned with USDAobjectives and were tagged asproject miilestone deliveables for best practiice in monitoring our progress. We focused on1. providingoutreach education to LRVBFR on opportunities that are available to them through USDA programs and services, 2. Improvingthe knowledge of LRVBFR in farm estate planning, financial planning and management. 3. Enhancingthe skills and abilities of LRVBFR to produce alternative high value and profitable local food crops, and 4. Enhancingmarketing strategies for LRVBFR and connect them to the already existing markets for ethnic foods. Our educational workshop modelwas attended by agribusiness students, community famers with local agricutlture NGO's with the follwing no-proprofits to includeCOSSOA, Anacaguita and Agroinnoiva. In addition our collaboration with DEWEY University Department of Agronomy Segar Advocacy Institute was established an island-wide Agribusiness program. The Segar Agribusiness program was available in the surrounding communities to include Hato Rey, Juana Diaz, Manti and Carolina. The Agribusiness program educational framework was based on USDA agricultural best practice. The programs educational curriculum was written by university professors with subject matter expertise in all areas of agriculture. Classroom instruction and field exercises were co-shared by both Segar Agri-Techs and Dewey university students in the agronomy program. The USDA funded program was open to beginning farmers, veterans andthe local community. The agribusiness program provided a hands-on agriculturalexperience for all that attended to include: Fundamentals in agriculture, from seed-to-harvest. Provide students with an understanding of soil sciences, including general knowledge on soil varieties and the different seeds. This includeda hands-on experience in both indoor systems. Expected Outcome - This included a focus on the importance of sustainable agriculture and the local environment. Ultimately, creating awareness on the importance of why we should grow.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico's
Agriculture Transformational Journey
Current State of Affairs
A. Overview of Puerto Rico's agricultural sector
Agriculture in Puerto Rico has undergone a profound transformation throughout its history. From being a mainstay of the economy in the past, accounting for 18.2% of the island's gross domestic product in 1950, it represents only 0.7% of the island's gross domestic product. The agricultural sector's contribution to GDP in fiscal year 2019 amounted to $715.7 million. The number of people employed in the agricultural sector is approximately 14,000 people. Garcia (2020) declares that only 15% of the food consumed on the island is produced locally, which is a serious fragility in its food security since it depends on imports from foreign countries. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2015) carried out by the Department of Health of the United States of America, it is estimated that 33.2% of the population aged 18 years or older in Puerto Rico presented with problems with food insecurity. 9.0% of the population aged 18 years and older were in the very low food security category. In addition, 21.7% of people indicated that, in the last 12 months, there were times when they had to serve themselves less food or stop eating one of their daily meals due to lack of money.
Gracia (2020) highlights that Puerto Rico receives food products from approximately 50 countries and depends on two ports: Jacksonville in the state of Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Food on the island is 20% more expensive compared to prices experienced in the United States. Most of the agricultural products consumed in Puerto Rico come from the United States. This share reaches 62.2% of total imports. Other countries that are important as food suppliers to the island are: Canada, Brazil, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and China, among others.
Puerto Rico's geographical location stands out for having fertile soils, rainfall, and sunshine in abundance, which makes it a suitable place for agricultural development. It is estimated that Puerto Rico has the capacity to supply up to 60% of local consumption and self-sufficiency in different agricultural areas. However, hurricanes Irma, Maria, and Fiona in conjunction with the earthquakes of 2020 have caused problems to the sector's recovery process.
|
Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The program target audience remains new and beginningfarms, ranchers, and veterans. To date, we have consultedwith local agricultural and community leaders to understand the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico agriculture landscape. Our media platform for the distribution of USDA agriculture best practice documentation took 3 months to select, construct and convert English to Spanish in the correct Spanish dialect. We also developed and deployed digital media platforms "Facebook and Instagram" to provide program updates and interaction with LRVBFR participants.Wealso developed YouTube digital short clips on USDA best practicesin Spanish for public consumption.We continue to evaluate on a monthly basis our communication plans and public facing literature. Our program deliverables include: 1.Provide outreach education to LRVBFR on opportunities that are available to them through USDA and local government programs; 2. Improve the knowledge of LRVBFR in farm estate planning, financial planning and management; 3. Enhance the skills and abilities of LRVBFR to produce high value and profitable local food crops; and 4. Enhance marketing strategies for LRVBFR and connect them to the already existing markets for local foods. One of the key lessons learned is education is the number one factor to influencechange. Agricultural sustainability is not just a way of life, its food-securities, maintaining traditional cultural mannerisms but also creating innovative to fosters economic development which as been definedthrough an Agribusiness portfolio that provides a 360 model for future growth in sustainable,productive, and financially solvent communities. Upon completion of the USDA program in June of 2024 we intend to implement our Agribusiness Research Institute initiativein collaboration with Dewey University STEMS program supporting agricultureinnovation technical instruction. The development of a educational Learning Management System (eLMS) that provides a clear understanding ofOneselfas a part of the economic development framework. A self-assessment module to determine your interests and creative talents. Micro-certificate courses in food-securities, sustainability, Health and Wellness "existing nursing program", Internet of Things Device Management "Carbon Sequestering" and farm asset management. On the job training aligned with all of the associated careers. We have aLearned-to-Earnmodel. Changes/Problems:Our program target audience remains new and beginningfarms, ranchers, and veterans. Throughout the three-year performance period of the USDA BFRDP program there were many challenges, COVID-19, hurricanes and unfortunately the economic conditions in Puerto Rico are not what they seem. This is a harsh reality that needs to be addressed. Due to my training in the Air Force, I accepted these facts and our organization restructured itself and we were not deterred. The cultural divide in Puerto Rico runs deep, statistically speaking our estimates are a 1 to 4 ratio. 1 equal to change and 3 choose to remain with a subsistence farming lifestyle. This was also consistent with farmers and ranchers less then 10 year's experience. The number one contributing factor and potential root cause that can be substantiated and data modeled is that there is no clearly defined economic development pathway to achieve agricultural sustainability. In summary, there is not one single incident that would have changed our ability to adapt, overcome and implement the program. Our number one mission objective no matter what it took, was implement the USDA BFRDP to create a scalable footprint that could be a paradigm shift in the islands ability to revive its agricultural production for food-securities. We also, had to consider the impact and devastation of the infrastructures, clean drinking water, lack of farm production infrastructure and sustainable energy. In addition, the health and well-being of farmers and ranchers was also a key part of our program. Without a healthy farmer and rancher, you can't have expanded agricultural growth. Nearshore economic development is recommended to be priority number one for the Commonwealth, Puerto Rico. I'm not a subject matter expert, but 30 years of field experience around the world has provided me insight to the problems and conditions that are contributing factors to be considered. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One of the key lessons learned is education is the number one factor to influencechange. Agricultural sustainability is not just a way of life, its food-securities, maintaining traditional cultural mannerisms but also creating innovative to fosters economic development which as been definedthrough an Agribusiness portfolio that provides a 360 model for future growth in sustainable,productive, and financially solvent communities. Our USDA BFRDP has creatd a framework and opportunity toexpanded USDA BFRDP best practices. Upon completion of the USDA program in June of 2024 we intend to implement our Agribusiness Research Institute initiativein collaboration with Dewey University STEMS program supporting agricultureinnovation technical instruction. The development of a educational Learning Management System (eLMS) that provides a clear understanding ofOneselfas a part of the economic development framework. A self-assessment module to determine your interests and creative talents. Micro-certificate courses in food-securities, sustainability, Health, and Wellness "existing nursing program", Internet of Things Device Management "Carbon Sequestering" and farm asset management. On the job training aligned with all of the associated careers. We have aLearned-to-Earnmodel. The create ofan agricultural center of excellence can be achieved in the following manner Integrate Deweys existing educational programs into the Agribusiness program Agronomy Nursing Refrigeration Computer and Information systems Education Development Plan Develop an online elearning management system Offer real-time STEMS and on the job training Provide job placement that is related to Agibisness jobs IoT development and repair AI, ML & BI AgriSoftware development Co2 devices iOS mobile applications AgriDones crop management AgriCritical Infrastructure Develop a data analyitcs to track student progress for dashboard reporting. Emergency Prepardness call center for the western hemisphere Nearshore Agribusiness Management Center Supporting Civil Defense and National Security By integrating USDA best practices as a framework directly supportinga US workforceinitiative and an adaptative approach to implementingPresident Directive 7as a critical infrastructure prime directive in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Nearshore continuity of operations which aligns withDHS regional security initiatives to protectthe solvency ofthe United States of America. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7establishes a national policy for federal departments and agencies to identify andprioritize critical infrastructureandto protectthem from terrorist attacks. The directive defines relevant terms and delivers 31 policy statements. These policy statements define what the directive covers, and the roles various federal, state, and local agencies will play in carrying it out. Roles and Responsibilities of Sector-Specific Federal Agencies Recognizing that each infrastructure sector possesses its own unique characteristics and operating models, there are designated Sector-Specific Agencies, including: Department of Agriculture-- agricultural food (meat, poultry, egg products); Health and Human Services -- public health, healthcare, andfood(other than meat, poultry, egg products); Environmental Protection Agency --drinking water and watertreatment systems. Department of Energy --energy, including the production refining, storage,and distribution of oil and gas, and electric power except for commercial nuclear power facilities. Research and development aligned with aSTEMS program provide an acceleratedon-the-job training approach infused withUSDA best practices in the areas farming and environmental management. In summary, itwill continue to be a struggle to achieve all the USDABFRDP milestone deliverable due the accelerated erosion ofinfrastructure, healthcare and economic solvency of Puerto Rico and its abilityto govern is limited and outdated resources. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The increased community involment has had a positive impact on the our abilkity to get the word out. It is now becominga topic of discussion due to the increased awareness of island wide food cost, availability of US food products and a concern of food-shortage which could becomea reality with the next 6to 8 months. We will continue well ater the program end to host workshops in collabration with aDewey university campus located in four locations to include: Carolina Hato-Ray Manati Juana Diaz What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Our planned activities for the final reportingperiod will include additional progress reports. We have expanded our final push incollaboration with Dewey University to host several community agricultural workshop that continue to attract both new farmers, K-12,community leaders and residents. Workshops will be held at the Dewey university campus located in four locations to include: Carolina Hato-Ray Manati Juana Diaz We also have several new quarterly status reports to include an economic summary report authored and written by: Dr. Javier E. Pérez @javier.perez@dewey.edu. It will include the followingAgricultural Economic Summit Data. The current state of affairs. Its root cause. Recommendation to encourage the transition from substance agricultural to sustainable agribusiness. The benefits of Economic Development portfolio focused on. Training Workforce development Entrepreneurship Stems Innovation. The benefits of agribusiness. Summary
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The strategic long-term goal to revive food production in Puerto Rico was accomplished using ascalable andadaptive model.By doing so, we were ablepivot our program milestone deliverables directly related to the needs of the community. It is also worth mentioning that Puerto Rico is experiencing adownward trajectory in the areas of agricultural production andlimitedeconomic development.Food-Securities and the Health & Well-being of its citizens are at risk.Education is key to bridgingcultural barriers. We strongly recommendthat USDA consider a long-termagribusiness educational frameworkdirectly aligned with the USDA BFRDP objectives. Our organization aligned with Dewey University have taken a commanding lead to develop an economic development Learning Management System (edLMS) thatintegrates seamless into theUSDA milestone deliverables. Provide outreach education to LRVBFR on opportunities that are available to them through USDA programs and services. Improve the knowledge of LRVBFR in farm estate planning, financial planning and management. Enhance the skills and abilities of LRVBFR to produce alternative high value and profitable local food crops, Enhance marketing strategies for LRVBFR and connect them to the already existing markets for ethnic foods. The followinggoals have been achieved in the 2023 performance period of the USDA BFRDP The Island of Vieques Established through a local nonprofit agency CoreFive.orghttps://www.corefi.orgcommunity involvementto feed theelderly. We worked with to review a short- and long-term food storage plan and review also the dietary needs of the community. Work with local new farmersto educate on USDA best practices, we performedsoil testing andhosted on site crop assessments to expanded crop seeding, irrigation and harvesting yields. Assisteda local bee farmer to relocate his bee hives to a more environmentally safe areas of the island.Provided consultation services to improvebee production, developed a business planand sourced the beeequipment to produce the honey. He has beenproducing Viequeshoney for two seasons. Assisted a disabled army veteran with a home-based farm assessment. Spent quality time to understand here challenges as widowed wife with two young children. She is now pursuing here dream of urban farming, writing here autobiography and creative dance. The Island of Puerto Rico Hosted an economic Agricultural Summit with Dewey University. Quest speakers included: US Army Retired Colonel Dr Eric I Mitchell, farmer heath and wellness Dr. Jarvis Perez - The economics of farming in Puerto Rico Mr. Preston Wilson CEO of Resilience Solutions Consulting - farming and critical infrastructure Co-developed with Dewey University the agribusiness program that is islandwide an provides monthly indoor and outdoor USDA farmer best practice seminars with a campus grow center. In collaboration with Dewey University, we have expanded ourcommunity involvement. via agricultural workshops being held at the Dewey university campus located in four location to include: Carolina Hato-Ray Manati Juana Diaz Italso has increasedstudent enrolment in the Universitysponsored agricultural and health care studies. We were also were able to developan island agricultural framework to establish the continuation of USDA BFRDP in the following areas: The migration to an Agribusiness infrastructure model. The development of sustainable crops "edible and cash" such as Rice, assorted beans, fruits and vegetables, increased beef production and industrial hemp. This will have a direct effect on improving infrastructure. Road development, storage facilities, processing plants to reduce post-harvest loss and improve market access. Market Sustainability. The establishment cooperative societies or farm groups to collectively market, produce and negotiated better pricings. A feasibility study to provide amendments to the Jones Act so that Puerto Rico can reduce its import costs but increase its export and import of durable goods. Agribusiness Infrastructure as a Service:APlatform as a Service using digital technology to connect farms with buyers, provide market information and facilitate. All transactions from seed-to-shelf. Sustainable Agricultural Best Practices Conversion Agriculture:Develop a comprehensive farmland reutilized plan best practices which would include, improved crop rotation, maintaining soil cover to improve soil health and water retention. Organic Farming. The reduction of GMO seeding, industrial chemicals as fertilizers with an increased use of organic fertilizers. This will have positive impact on biodiversity, pest control and improved soil health. Tropical Vegetation Control -Take an assessment of the indigenous plants that grow around island farmland. These. Indigenous plants. Could be used to create nonpetroleum based products and provide an island wide aero carbon emission strategy.
Publications
|
Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:09/01/2020 - Awarded USDA NIFA BFRDP 09/15/2020 to 09/30/2020 internal program review and assembly of project team 10/01/2020 to 11/27/2020 - The creation of BFRDP brochures, farm survey data collection sheets and program presentation for rancher and farmer distribution. 11/30/2020 to 12/31/2020 - Started our initial workflow process to develop farmer rancher contact list, Internet web searches of local data, communication plan to contact local farmers, ranchers and other island agricultural entities. Expected outcome: Allowed the organization to understand the current landscape of hosting on-site meetings, the timeframe to confirm the meeting and Covid-19 protocols to comply with local and federal guidelines. Program Delivery Risk - There was a significant reluctance in the beginning to schedule on-site events, and one-on-one meetings with local farmers and ranchers. Scheduling Risk - The Puerto Rico holiday both religious and cultural events starts in November and does not end until the end of January. It is very difficult to schedule any type of activity doing this timeframe. Corrective Action Taken - We immediately assessed our current communications plan and developed an alternative approach to maintaining consistency with moving the program forward. The alternative was to use more video conferencing tools. During that time frame we focused on working with agricultural educational institutions and other local department of agricultural agencies to establish the current footprint of active farmers and ranchers within the island. This was very successful and contributed greatly to creating collaborations with these agencies so that once Covid-19 restrictions were lifted we would be able to recover some of the initial mile stone deliverables set forth by the agency. Our alternative approach shift our public relation activities to more of a cultural and spiritual learning. This allows us to understand the regional cultures, the variety of ethnic foods, and the social interactions in the island of Puerto Rico. Positive Outcome Received - We recognized in our initial meetings that attention to detail in our program delivery information is a must and has been instrumental in receiving favorable interaction with all parties concerned. 01/05/2020 to 03/31/2021 - Met with the University of Puerto Rico department of agriculture and Puerto Rico Farm Bureau to develop strategies to assess farmers to retain and restore farmland and also acquire a list of current farmers and ranchers. Met with the Puerto Rico Farm Bureau via conference call to brief them on our USDA beginning farmer program award and how we could be of assistance. However, once again Covid has slowed up the on boarding process and we were not able to establish a firm collaboration agreement with the local Farm Bureau which is now being rescheduled to complete the initial mile stone delivered. · In addition a lot of the local farmers markets which we had initially visited to conduct routine hand out of USDA program information were either canceled or delayed. 04/01/2021 - 06/30/2021 - Met with the local USDA National Resource Conservation Services to increase our access to farmers and ranchers that are being underserved. Discussed how we can use environmental soil testing as a way to attract farmers and ranchers via live farm demos to increase their knowledge of improved farm techniques. 7/1/2021 -10/30/2021 - Met with a few farmers and ranchers in person, also contacted others via the phone and email. We plan to have a more aggressive approach with our project communication plan due to the fact that the markets will open and residents will be more willing to engage in outdoor activities. This should assist in project deliverables. 11/1/2021 -03/30/2022 Call to Action - "Sustainable Growing - Increase our local farm grow capacity "seed to table" BFRDP seed giveaway program. Farmers and ranchers toreceive seed to grow to increase the number of sustainable fruits and vegetables on the island significantly. Call to Action "Ag-Agent Training Program" - Expand ourAG agent technical training program. Host several local K through 12 handout sessions of information on the program. The benefits of the program are centered around environmental compliancy, smart commodities, expanding and invading our AG The long-term goal is to create an agricultural urban technology centers (AUTCs) were we house innovative and technologies in all areas of agricultural sciences with live indoor grows where the kids will learn everything from seed-to-shelf industrialization. Continue to translate to Spanish USDA and other public domain documents that also require culturally appropriate illustrations. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Call to Action "Ag-Agent Training Program" - Were hosting at all the universities promoting our AG agent technical training program. This provides a great opportunity for Segar AI to not only educate everyone on the benefits of the USDA beginning farmer program but also it allows us to attract new farmers that are actually being trained from the agricultural department at the university level to become agricultural technicians and agents to influence the younger generation on the benefits of farming as a career. Working with our technology partners eHawk Global Agricultural commodities a supply chain sustainable farm management platform. Wehave donated our access to the iCommodities Asset Management Platform (iCAMP_2.0) supply chain sustainabilitysoftwareto the University of Puerto Rico and others . UPR will bestart the process by imputting existing farem records into a data repository. We will update each farmwith new soil and carbon test information. This will then be compared to the for local farm information that has been collected in the USDA soil survey application. I was to create comprehensive master grow plans for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico needs an agricultural training program that can be implemented in the K to 12 educational system. We all know that every school district across the nation is looking for ways to energize their educational programs with something that is long lasting and impactful. The approach is to create an agricultural urban technology centers (AUTCs) were we house innovative and technologies in all areas of agricultural sciences with live indoor grows where the kids will learn everything from seed-to-shelf industrialization under a smart commodities and sustainable environment science program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Is this still under data collection workflow and cannot be reported on with validated information What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In-service and benefiting our Call to Action - "Sustainable Growing - is a seed giveaway program - Needs to defined. Roll out in June In-service and benefiting our Call to Action "Ag-Agent Training Program (AATP)" - We plan in the next serveral months to host at the local universities to promoteour AG agent technical training program. The benefits of the ATTP program focused on environmental compliancy, smart commodities, Eco friendly environmental control systems and health and wellness. In-service and benefiting ourCall to Action "Ag-Young Influencers Training Program (AYITP)Puerto Rico needs an agricultural training program that can be implemented in the K to 12 educational system. We all know that every school district across the nation is looking for ways to energize their educational programs with something that is long lasting and impactful. The approach is to create an agricultural urban technology centers (AUTCs) were we house innovative and technologies in all areas of agricultural sciences with live indoor grows where the kids will learn everything from seed-to-shelf industrialization under a smart commodities and sustainable environment science program.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The long term goal of this project is to revive food production in Puerto Rico - To date tese goals are being achieved through continuous outreach activities, Digital and handout messaging in all forms being offered by Segar AI to the farming community at large. Our messaging is laser focused on on USDA programs, environmental leave no trace farming and creating cenergy around AG_scaling to attract both new beginning and existing farmers to collaborate on increasing farm quotas to off-set severe supply chain shortageswhen it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables. To datewe have hosted several joint onsite farm training events to include soil testing and best practices in maintaining soil health. In addition, we are starting up our ZERO AG WASTE program to who inspire and create more young influencers and beginning farmers and ranchers by giving them seeds to grow and we put a harvesting program so everyone can get the fresh fruits and vegetables and then what's left is passed on to our food banks to help them with critical shortages.
Publications
|
Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Our target audiences were local farmers and ranchers, both profit and nonprofit farming organizations and other USDA agricultural department Changes/Problems:Project Comments to date "A Year In review" The key successes based on farmer and rancher participation cannot be determined at this time due to the following factors: The current state as it relates to social gathering is still a bit contentious, primarily due to the continuous economic downturn and COVID-19 having an impact on the entire community. We have taken an adaptive approach to working with island local and federal agencies, farmers, academia and for profit and nonprofit organizations. Our introduction into the Puerto Rican environment and its communities has been a warm welcome to experience. The bottom line is, we all have a sense of purpose and wanting to create a resilient and sustainable Puerto Rico for generations to come. However, client feedback has been a thirst for knowledge in understanding federal support services available, best practices in all areas of agriculture and how can Puerto Rico increase its food production for local consumption and the export of goods and services. Lessons Learned:to address the clients thirst for program knowledge our response will be to increase public awareness and participate in many more cultural events. Currently there has not been any unexpected challenges with regards to managing and administrating the USDA BFRDP program. Our only challenges are pandemic limitations related, we are continually adapting and improving our communications, and planning activities to increase our visibility with the farmers and ranchers. We are looking forward to clearly make a difference within the next two years. ? What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Most of the training opportunities for the organization have been becoming more familiar with agricultural best practices, familiarization with crop rotation and also the contributing factors as they relate to farm operations, and the complete lifecycle from grow to harvest to production. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Our primary method of communication today I have been using conference and web-based tools also keeping our website up-to-date and providing as much email documentation as possible upon request. We planned this year to launch a major media campaign in the area of getting more information out to the rule areas that have limited access to the Internet and sometimes cell services. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Segar Advocacy Institute ability to achieve its listed results will require a managed approach to successfully capture and improve the agricultural footprint here on the island of Puerto Rico. A managed approach is our ability to assess all of the relevant current conditions, their impact, the economic conditions in the marketplace and a general sense of the stress levels and their contributing factors. One of the biggest challenges to overcome is attracting new and existing farmers problems in Puerto Rico as it relates to the aging of its farmers and limited export opportunities to stimulate and increase agricultural activities on the island. We have a three step approach to ensure that the beginning farmer and rancher program information is shared and utilized to its greatest potential: Step One: We foster and hold regular farmer meetings with existing farmers which also allows us to attract new farmers and ranchers via references (word of mouth). Step Two: We continually improve our information both written and online to ensure its accuracy and it is written in Spanish for public consumption. Step Three: We host on a regular basis on-site farming events which are collaborated with our "agricultural experts". This provides a very pleasant down-home community activity for all to participate that is educational and allows everyone to be comfortable in their own environment. One of our primary end of project goals are to introduce and create agricultural production hubs throughout the island which will be a corner stone to connecting farmers and incentivizing them to grow on a regular basis nutritious and healthy fruits and vegetables. But it will also bridge the gap in providing a new e-commerce revenue stream that goes out independently to source the agricultural products being grown and made on the island of Puerto Rico. You could see this as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), program deliverable to the success of the beginning farmer program.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
09/01/2020 - Awarded USDA NIFA BFRDP 09/15/2020 to 09/30/2020 internal program review and assembly of project team 10/01/2020 to 11/27/2020 - The creation of BFRDP brochures, farm survey data collection sheets and program presentation for rancher and farmer distribution. 11/30/2020 to 12/31/2020 - Started our initial workflow process to develop farmer rancher contact list, Internet web searches of local data, communication plan to contact local farmers, ranchers and other island agricultural entities. Expected outcome: Allowed the organization to understand the current landscape of hosting on-site meetings, the timeframe to confirm the meeting and Covid-19 protocols to comply with local and federal guidelines. Program Delivery Risk - There was a significant reluctance in the beginning to schedule on-site events, and one-on-one meetings with local farmers and ranchers. Scheduling Risk - The Puerto Rico holiday both religious and cultural events starts in November and does not end until the end of January. It is very difficult to schedule any type of activity doing this timeframe. Corrective Action Taken - We immediately assessed our current communications plan and developed an alternative approach to maintaining consistency with moving the program forward. The alternative was to use more video conferencing tools. During that time frame we focused on working with agricultural educational institutions and other local department of agricultural agencies to establish the current footprint of active farmers and ranchers within the island. This was very successful and contributed greatly to creating collaborations with these agencies so that once Covid-19 restrictions were lifted we would be able to recover some of the initial mile stone deliverables set forth by the agency. Our alternative approach shift our public relation activities to more of a cultural and spiritual learning. This allows us to understand the regional cultures, the variety of ethnic foods, and the social interactions in the island of Puerto Rico. Positive Outcome Received - We recognized in our initial meetings that attention to detail in our program delivery information is a must and has been instrumental in receiving favorable interaction with all parties concerned. 01/05/2020 to 03/31/2021 - Met with the University of Puerto Rico department of agriculture and Puerto Rico Farm Bureau to develop strategies to assess farmers to retain and restore farmland and also acquire a list of current farmers and ranchers. · Met with the Puerto Rico Farm Bureau via conference call to brief them on our USDA beginning farmer program award and how we could be of assistance. However, once again Covid has slowed up the on boarding process and we were not able to establish a firm collaboration agreement with the local Farm Bureau which is now being rescheduled to complete the initial mile stone delivered. · In addition a lot of the local farmers markets which we had initially visited to conduct routine hand out of USDA program information were either canceled or delayed. 04/01/2021 - 06/30/2021 - Met with the local USDA National Resource Conservation Services to increase our access to farmers and ranchers that are being underserved. Discussed how we can use environmental soil testing as a way to attract farmers and ranchers via live farm demos to increase their knowledge of improved farm techniques. 7/1/2021 -10/30/2021 - Met with a few farmers and ranchers in person, also contacted others via the phone and email. We plan to have a more aggressive approach with our project communication plan due to the fact that the markets will open and residents will be more willing to engage in outdoor activities. This should assist in project deliverables. Continue to translate to Spanish USDA and other public domain documents that also require culturally appropriate illustrations.
Publications
|
|