Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project are beginning farmers in Vieques, Puerto Rico. The entire target audience of this project lives below the national poverty line, with limited access to useful farming resources. The targeted beginning farmer audience for this project consists of:Hispanic farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, and military veteran farmers. This project also provided low-income members of the Vieques communitywith fresh, local produce as an alternative to the 99% of food available which has been imported to the island. Changes/Problems:The main challned in this reporting period was the detrimental impact of Hurricane Ernesto which severe damage to a number of farms and farm infrastructure. This caused a number of a farms supported by CTC to cease operations and farmers to quit farming. Additionally, value-added products were highly desired by farmers and consumers, but require more time, processing infrastructure and kitchen space to scale effectively. The agriculturalworkforce in Vieques needs better access to transportation and child care, with schedule conflicts becoming routine for many farmworkers in Vieques, thereby limiting the productivity and sustainability of farming operations. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Business training empowered farmers to manage financial planning, record-keeping, and operations more effectively. Workshops covered budgeting, revenue forecasting, and cash flow management, while tools like FarmBright software streamlined tracking of yields, costs, and inventory. Farmers gained confidence in their ability to evaluate profitability and prioritize resources. Support with USDA programs helped participants register with the FSA, achieve "bonafide farmer" status, and access grants and loans for investments like drip irrigation systems. Guidance on organic certification enabled farmers to market products at premium prices, increasing income while maintaining compliance with best practices. The project focused on empowering farmers to manage the business side of agriculture. Training sessions covered financial planning, record-keeping, and the use of farm software to track expenses, revenues, and inventory. Farmers were also guided through the process of obtaining Farm Service Agency (FSA) numbers and achieving "bonafide farmer" status, which unlocked access to state and federal funding opportunities. By the project's end, many farmers reported increased confidence in their ability to manage their operations effectively. Several participants successfully applied for grants and loans, enabling them to invest in new equipment, expand their farms, and improve their overall financial stability. Financial Planning and Record-Keeping A significant barrier to success for beginning farmers is the lack of financial literacy and record-keeping skills. To address this, CTC offered a series of workshops that introduced farmers to the fundamentals of financial management, including expense tracking, budgeting, and revenue forecasting. Trainers emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate records to understand the profitability of various crops and livestock and to identify areas for improvement. Practical exercises allowed farmers to practice creating budgets and recording transactions using mock scenarios tailored to agricultural operations. For example, participants tracked the cost of inputs such as seeds, feed, and labor against projected income from harvest sales, learning how to calculate profit margins and breakeven points. Farmers were also introduced to cash flow management, ensuring they could plan for seasonal fluctuations in income and expenses. These skills proved transformative for many participants. One farmer shared that, prior to the training, she had struggled to track her expenses and often found herself short on funds during critical growing periods. After adopting the record-keeping techniques taught in the workshop, she was able to identify unnecessary expenses and allocate her resources more effectively, leading to a 20% increase in profitability within the first year. Farm Management Software Training CTC introduced farmers to FarmBright, a user-friendly farm management software platform designed to simplify operational planning and record-keeping. Training sessions covered how to use the software to track crop yields, livestock health, labor hours, and input costs. Farmers were guided through setting up profiles for their farms, inputting data, and generating reports to analyze performance. Automating many administrative tasks allowed farmers to spend more time on productive activities like planting, harvesting, and marketing their products. The software also provided valuable insights into farm performance, helping participants make data-driven decisions about which crops or livestock to prioritize. For instance, one farmer used FarmBright to track the profitability of her various crops and discovered that her green plantain field was significantly more lucrative than her tomato plot, prompting her to reallocate resources accordingly. To help farmers meet the expectations of institutional buyers, the project provided extensive training on topics such as food safety, handling, and packaging. Farmers learned how to meet specific quality standards, such as uniform sizing for vegetables or proper labeling for value-added goods, ensuring their products were competitive with those from larger suppliers. CTC also facilitated communication between farmers and buyers, helping to negotiate contracts, set delivery schedules, and resolve any issues that arose. This support was particularly valuable for beginning farmers, who often found the administrative aspects of institutional sales daunting. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results of the project have been disseminated to communities of interest through a variety of targeted outreach and engagement activities which have been designed to enhance public understanding of sustainable agriculture and encourage participation in pursue agricultural careers. The project has prioritized reaching socially and economically disadvantaged communities in Vieques, Puerto Rico. Interested participants have often lacked access to resources and information about agricultural opportunities. Outreach efforts included hosting informational sessions at the Vieques community center, farmer's markets, and primarily direct phone contact. These events allowed veterans and community members to see firsthand the potential of sustainable agriculture to improve livelihoods and local food security. Information regarding these resources, local agriculture markets, workshops, available seeds, and more will soon be posted in a central location for the public to access-a historical building in the town of Isabel Segunda which is currently offered as an office space and charging facility. CTC found that social media was not being used by many of the Vieques farmers and direct contact through phone, physical mail, and email was the best form of informing participating farmers about CTC's BFR events, workshops, and assistance opportunities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
CTC's BFRDP project directly supported over 150 farmers by addressing key challenges through tailored assistance, including workshops, access to tools, labor, and critical inputs such as compost and livestock feed. Training covered organic practices, irrigation, pest management, and operational optimization. Farmers gained hands-on guidance to improve productivity and sustainability. Over 100 acres were actively farmed or are being prepared for cultivation, with plans to expand by 400 additional acres in collaboration with the Vieques municipal government, reflecting significant progress toward the goal of 300,000 pounds oflocal food produced on the island.These efforts targeted beginning farmers, particularly those with limited resources, to help them transition into profitable, sustainable operations. After Hurricane Ernesto, CTC mobilized quickly to support farmers and the broader community. La Finca de Hamberto served as a disaster recovery hub, providing vital resources to repair damaged infrastructure and replant fields. Solar-powered cold storage units preserved perishables like eggs and vegetables during power outages, reducing post-harvest losses and stabilizing incomes. For example, nearly 300 pounds of produce were salvaged through quick harvesting post-storm. These cold storage systems also allowed farmers to store surplus mangoes and starfruit during peak harvests, enabling gradual sales and preventing waste. Farmers received assistance in repairing fencing, irrigation systems, and coops, ensuring continuity in operations. Knowledge-sharing sessions among farmers promoted storm-proofing strategies, including windbreaks, raised planting beds, and reinforced structures, fostering resilience. Individualized resilience plans focused on agroforestry, perennial crops like cacao and coffee, and regenerative practices to improve soil and water retention. Solar energy installations powered irrigation and lighting, reducing dependence on the fragile island grid. These combined efforts bolstered food security by reducing reliance on imports and preparing farmers for future climate challenges. Livestock workshops, led by USDA trainers and local experts, enhanced animal husbandry practices. Topics included pig health, sheep parasite management, and goat care. Hands-on training improved feeding, disease prevention, and housing techniques. Farmers integrated livestock into broader systems, using manure as fertilizer and rotational grazing to enhance pasture health, reducing costs and promoting sustainability. High-quality feed distribution significantly improved animal productivity, such as a 40% increase in goat milk yields, supporting cheese-making enterprises. These products became popular at markets and restaurants, generating reliable income streams for farmers while diversifying their offerings. Essential tools like fencing supplies, water troughs, and portable shelters helped optimize livestock operations. Farmers capitalized on the growing demand for premium, locally raised products like cheese and pork, creating high-margin opportunities and reducing reliance on single income sources. The tree nursery program distributed thousands of seedlings for perennial crops like cacao, coffee, mangoes, and plantains, combining economic and ecological benefits. Training sessions covered propagation, pest control, pruning, and site preparation to maximize yield and tree health. By integrating trees into farms through agroforestry, farmers enhanced biodiversity, reduced soil erosion, and mitigated storm impacts. Shade-providing trees like cacao improved conditions for vegetables, while fruit trees served as windbreaks. Long-term environmental improvements, such as better soil structure and water retention, were paired with strong market demand for high-value crops, providing farmers with lucrative, sustainable revenue streams. CTC's CSA program served as a bridge between farmers and consumers, offering weekly boxes of fresh, locally grown produce, herbs, and value-added goods like jams and pickles. Each box reflected seasonal agricultural output, ensuring variety and quality. Logistical support, including packaging and distribution, enabled farmers to focus on production. Planting schedules were coordinated to balance supply, reduce overproduction, and minimize waste. Flexible payment options made CSA boxes accessible to low-income families, addressing food insecurity. Collaboration among farmers expanded offerings and strengthened ties, while CSA participation provided farmers with consistent income to reinvest in their operations. Customers reported greater engagement with farmers and increased appreciation for locally sourced food, while restaurants and grocers incorporated CSA produce into their offerings, amplifying the program's reach. CTC provided tools and equipment tailored to each farmer's needs, such as machetes, seed trays, pruning shears, and irrigation kits. These resources, distributed at no cost or subsidized rates, enabled farmers to transition from subsistence farming to intensive operations, overcoming significant financial barriers. Labor assistance addressed shortages during critical periods like planting and harvesting, with staff and volunteers helping farmers plow, plant, and collect crops. For instance, during peak mango season, volunteers prevented waste by collecting and sorting thousands of pounds of fruit. These efforts alleviated strain on farmers, particularly older individuals or those managing small-scale operations alone. The Agroartisanal Farmers Market provided farmers with aconsistent venue to sell fresh produce and value-added goods like sofrito, hot sauces, and pickled vegetables. Weekly markets allowed farmers to interact directly with customers, building relationships and receiving valuable feedback. Cooking demonstrations and cultural events attracted tourists and locals, fostering appreciation for Vieques' agricultural heritage. By eliminating intermediaries, farmers retained more profits and gained marketing experience, while the market itself strengthened the local economy and food system. Lessons from its success are guiding the expansion of market locations and operating hours, ensuring sustainability. CTC expanded partnerships with local restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores, connecting farmers to high-value buyers. Farmers received training on food safety, packaging, and quality standards, helping them meet buyer expectations and secure contracts. Networking among farmers amplified market access, as participants shared contacts and created new opportunities. These collaborations boosted farmer profitability, supported local businesses, and showcased the potential of small-scale agriculture in meeting institutional demands.Food waste reduction and composting were integral components of CTC's sustainability initiatives. CTCsalvaged thousands of pounds of surplus fruits and vegetables from farms and households. Recovered produce was distributed to families in need or transformed into value-added goods like jams and chutneys. Composting workshops trained farmers to manage organic waste effectively, creating nutrient-rich compost to improve soil health and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. Farmers learned to balance carbon and nitrogen in compost piles, maintain proper aeration, and produce vermicompost for high-value fertilizer. Techniques like compost tea application further enhanced crop growth. These practices contributed to regenerative agriculture, reducing methane emissions and supporting long-term sustainability. This projectincreased local food production, empowered farmers, and strengthened Vieques' agricultural economy. The project's success serves as a replicable model for sustainable, community-driven agricultural development in similar settings and target audiences.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project are beginning farmers in Vieques, Puerto Rico. The entire target audience of this project lives below the national poverty line, with limited access to useful farming resources. The targeted beginning farmer audience for this project consists of: 30% military veterans, 100% Hispanic, and 100% socially disadvantaged farmers. This project also provides the community of Vieques with fresh, local produce as an alternative to the 99% of food available which has been imported to the island. Changes/Problems:Challenges faced during this phase of the project include: Rising cost of farming supplies, including feed, medication, and heating equipment Reduced number of suppliers who are willing to ship into Puerto Rico Poor quality of supplies, including hay and potting soil Inability to access relevant information or application information for agricultural opportunities and certifications The Covid-19 Pandemic created a number of obstacles to overcome, primarily worker availability and resource logistics, to include the following: • Difficulty hiring and retaining employees, and maintaining workload due to impacts of Covid-19 • Delayed shipments • Rising cost of project equipment, supplies, and other materials Extreme weather challenges also posed challenging to project operations. Severe drought and heavy rain conditions have affected Vieques during this project year. Available water for agriculture was limited in the first half of 2023, with less than 6 inches of rain falling between January and June. Conversely, the Summer and Fall of 2023saw extreme rain and winds, including the impact of several rain storms.Inflation has adveresly impacted the project. Seed cost has more than doubled in the span of the fiscal year, and product availabity has decreased due to increased fuel prices. Delayed shipments and shortages of basic farming products has created a more difficult enviroment. The project has faced difficulties renting equipment and getting equipment to the island, making overall resource logistics a challenge. Increased costs for housing, lack of available day care in Vieques for workers, and difficult road conditions in Vieques have limited overall project participation. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Through this project Community Through Colors has provided the following opportunities for training and development: Provided extensive outreach to existing and prospective farmers about CTC workshops for developing agricultural knowledge and hands-on skill development Provided farm assessments and resource security plansfor farmers, including conservation of water, soil, and energy plans Provided direct assistance for farmers to access tools, equipment, water, and on-farm energy assistance One-on-one business and financial management assistance programs Providing opportunity for farmers to sell their product through multiple channels including farmer's markets, restaurants, and farm stalls Coordinated and mediated between farmers and purchasers Developed and implemented a summer internship program for eight University of Puerto Rico students, providing themhands-on training in agriculture forschool credit hours. Established and coordinated a compost program for farmers through farm waste and food waste collection from food businesses to supply farmers with valuable compost Created a series of workshops focusing on value-added processing to enhance the output of local food products, thereby increasing value capture and enhancing livelihoods Provided methods and assistance in collecting farm data to improve overall production efficiency and output Provided a series of workshopson applied regenerative farming to secure long-lasting soil health and crop quality for Vieques farmers Extensive guidance and assistance on animal welfare, basic veterinary science, livestock management and care Established a monthly visit bya veterinarian (previously did not exist) to Vieques to assess livestock and provide necessary immunizations CTC has helped increase the amount of acreage available for farming to 70 acres Experimental design tests and analyses on a variety of crops, water conservation strategies, shading, cover cropping, soil amendments, tools, costing methodologies, and accessing resources and materials Language support to access information and funding resources and opportunities Virtual options for education and skill development Networking development and market growth advising How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Community Through Colors has disseminated project activities and success stories through the CTC website, facebook, twitter, and instagram. CTC has been working with community-based nonprofit organizations to identify opportunities for food produced as a result of this project to reach those in need. Additionally, these organizations have been helping CTC identify individuals that are unemployed and interested in pursuing a career in farming. CTC has been in contact with local food businesses to highlight the expanding capacity of local farmers as food suppliers.Flyers for farmer's markets, agricultural workshops, and internships have been disseminatedat community bulletin boards, restaurants,and mailboxes in Vieques. Additionally, CTC presented a powerpoint presentation to University of Puerto Rico agriculture majors for a summer internship program through CTC. Presentation Advertisement for 2023 Internship Outreach/Advertisement Last Uploaded: 11/30/2023 Agroartisinal Market Flyer What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Plans for upcoming project periodinclude the following activities: Support farmers with the knowledge developed through grow testing to increase overall production and growing efficiency CTC is in the process of negotiating agreements to add additional 500 acres to be designated for agriculture in Vieques Plans to expand meat production operations through the first USDA certified slaughterhouse located in Vieques The Team is in the process of analyzing experimental design data that will provide farmers with a manual guide for successful crops and growing applications in Vieques Working to establish the administrative processes and help guide farmers through certification in USDA systems, including Farm Service Agency and National Resource Conservation Service Expand fruit collection through coordination with landowners with viable fruit trees otherwise not being harvested
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
As a result of this project, Community Through Colors has increased food production, increased livelihood opportunities and skills development, improved access to markets, increased access to tools, and increased access to resources for beginning farmers in Vieques, PR. Working with landowners and the municipality, CTC has helped to quadruple the amount of acreage available for farming in Vieques. Overall, 150 farmers have been supported through the following activities: intensive hands-on workshops one-on-one counseling and guidance business support through increased market linkages, administrative guidance, and logistical support for food collection, deliveries, and organic wastes for compost assistance with resource acquisition including farm tools and supplies conservation guidance and direct support with water, soils, seeds, and on-farm energy Helping supply farmers directly with plants and animals, including: sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, geese, rabbits, and pigs, and plants, including coffee trees, papaya trees, cashew trees, mustard and radish and arugula plants, passion fruit starts, cuttings, and seedlings. Help with registration in federal and state farm databases, including formal certifications The CTC team has prioritized socially-disadvantaged, military veteran, and limited resource farmers in Puerto Rico. CTC has helped these farmersreceive the skills and infrastructure necessary to start or expand successful farming operations. This project has increasedaccess to local food for low-income populations in Vieques experiencing severe food insecurity.Participants in this project include Vieques residents with a diverse set of backgrounds and agricultural skill levels. Most participants were unemployed, seasonally employed, or experienced a high level of job insecurity. Participants interested in building a farm within the year received training, counseling, consultation, equipment, livestock, seeds, and supplies. Others who wished to build their skillset were invited to participate in an internship program hosted at the local CTC agricultural hub where they received hands-on experience from experts with extensive agricultural experience in agriculture in Puerto Rico. In partnership with the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), asummer internship program was created and implemented. This program provided UPR students with hands-on training in agriculture forschool credit hours. Farmers were provided a number of networking opportunities and access to a livestock veterinarian. Farmers have been provided a CTC agricultural manual and projected planting schedule for 2024 that accounts for the unique rain and drought periods in Vieques. The CTC team redoubled efforts to network with local markets, rebuilding connections lost during the COVID19 pandemic. A survey of produce which consumers would like to purchase, including food goods which are expensive, impractical, or unavailable to ship, was conducted with partnering restaurants to inform producers of market demand. Farmers were subsequently connected with relevant market networks. CTC also provided temporary cold storage facilities for restaurants during periods of equipment failure to reduce the burden on agricultural producers for food preservation to retain income despite delivery delays. CTC has continued and expanded the food scrap collection program, reaching out to a dozen restaurants and other consumers to divertover 6,000 pounds oforganic waste from the landfill to food for animals and organic fertilizer for garden beds. This project hasminimized the financial cost, energy for transport (including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions), and water associated with organic waste management in Vieques. CTC has worked diligently to provide farmers insight into suitable crops and grow regimes in Vieques. This effort has involved a series of experimental design tests and analyses on a variety of crops, water conservation strategies, shading, cover cropping, soil amendments, tools, costing methodologies, and accessing resources and materials. The Team is in the process of analyzing this data to provide farmers with this information in this upcoming project period. CTC is actively working to identify and develop protocols, certifications, and local regulations to assist farmers in attaining beneficial certifications and formal registration within USDA farm databases. CTC is helping farmers with certifications on production of dairy products, meat products, organic products, and value-added products. Organic regulations and practices, safe food handling procedures, and state and federal regulations must be made accessible through not only translation but also clear steps and submission packets. This creates a competitive market both in Vieques and throughout the surrounding archipelago.These protocols have been included in the working copy of the CTC agricultural manual.? Food produced through this program has also contributed to the production of over 200 meals a week to low income, homeless, vulnerable, and disadvantaged populations on the island. Unsold food product from farms has been collected and used to provide severely low-income and elderly populations in Vieques with prepared meals. Food goods, technical support, labor, and kitchen facilities have been made available for the processing of local foods to process, prepare, and preserve seasonal items for future use.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this project arebeginning farmers in Vieques, Puerto Rico.The entire target audience of this project lives below the national poverty line, with limited access to useful farming resources. The targeted beginning farmer audience for this project consists of: 30% military veterans, 100% Hispanic, and 100% socially disadvantaged farmers. This projectalso provides the community of Vieques withfresh, local produce as an alternative to the 99% of food available which has beenimported to the island. Changes/Problems:The Covid-19 Pandemic created a number of obstacles to overcome, primarilyworker availability and resourcelogistics,to includethe following: Difficulty hiring and retaining employees, and maintaining workloaddue toimpacts of Covid-19 Delayed shipments Rising cost of project equipment, supplies, and other materials Extreme weather challenges also posed challenging to project operations. Severe drought and heavy rain conditions have affected Vieques during this project year.Availablewater for agriculture was limited in the first half of 2022, with less than 8 inches of rain fallingbetween January and June.Conversely, the Summer and Fall of 2022 saw extreme rain and winds, including the impact of Hurricane Fiona. The Hurricane destroyed farm infrastructure across the island and setfood production back at least two months.Inflation has adveresly impacted the project.Seed cost has more than doubled in the span of the fiscal year, and product availabity has decreased due to increased fuel prices.Delayed shipmentsand shortages of basic farming products has created a more difficult enviroment. The project has faced difficultiesrenting equipment andgetting equipment to the island, making overallresource logistics a challenge.Increased costs forhousing, lack ofavailable day care in Vieques for workers, and difficult road conditions in Vieques have limited overallproject participation. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Over 15 workshops have been held to support training and professional development of farmers and farmworkers. CTC has provided a 1-month internship program to participants wanting a comprehensive farm learning experience. These workshops and training programs provided beginning farmers in Vieques increased knowledge and new skills that will help them produce more food and generate higher sales. CTC has provided one-on-one training to farmers who wanted hands-on training in addition to field experience through workshops. Agricultural workshops were provided to the Vieques farming community at least once a month. These workshops were well attended and received, with at least five--and up to twenty-five--participants attending each workshop. Workshop participants learned applied skills in the following topic areas: Intro to Agroecology Farm Hazards and Farm Safety Protocols Animal Welfare and Humane Treatment of Farm Animals Soil & Crop Subsystems Indigenous microorganisms of Puerto Rico Soil Sampling Nursery care and seedling planting Raised Garden Bed Preparation Drip irrigation System Basics and Installation Transplanting plants into pots Compost: Create, build, and maintain a compost system Vermicomposting Biofertilizers Biopesticides Microgreens Aquaponics course through the University of Puerto Rico Intro to Beekeeping Medicinal Plants and wild medicinal plants of Puerto Rico Biodynamic Calendar CTC provided crop-specific workshops on crops that are integral to the Puerto Rican diet, including: sweet potato, plantain, pumpkin, and yuca. Additionally, the CTC Team provided a five-day workshop on Farm Financial Planning and Management. This was followed up by one-on-one support to farmers along with a tailored plan to help farmers plan and manage finances. The CTC Team has also provided workshops for farmers to learn about value-added processing at the CTC processing kitchen. Value-added food products allow farmers and non-farmers alike to improve economic livelihoods from locally produced crops. Value-added workshops covered the following topic areas: Soapmaking Breadmaking Pickling and Canning Cooking classes Kombucha Brewing Yogurt Making Cheese Making Fermentation/Distillation Sausage Making How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The CTC providesupdates and information to the community through email, mailbox flyers, newsletters, phone calls, and social media. Each beginningor prospective farmer is notified about upcoming workshops and training opportunities.CTC has established a local farming communication network where farmers can engage with one another and CTC to exchangeknowledge,tools, and other forms of support. Data on cropproduction efficacy collected at the educational farm, La Finca de Hamberto, is disseminated to local farmers which provides guidance on which crops are successful in Vieques and which climatic conditions and growing approaches could lend itself to successful farming. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?CTC willcontinue to expand production through farmland agreements with the municipality provided to supportlocal agriculturalproduction and increase job opportunities. More farmers will be trained and more land will provided for growing food in Vieques. CTC will be working with the municipal government of Vieques to secure land for farming. Provided farmland will support a significant increase in the number ofnew farmers and the amont of local foodproducedon the island. CTC will continue to expand its livestock and animal welfare training program. With land provided by the Municipality ofVieques, this component of the project is expected to grow considerably over the next phase of the project.CTC has been rehabilitatinga damwhich was partially destroyed by Hurricane Maria in 2017. The dam will ensurethe CTC educational farm network has available waterin times ofdrought, aswasexperienced in 2022 where less than 8 inches of rain fell between January and June.In the next project year the CTC Team willestablish a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program for beginning farmers. There is not a veterinary medicine provider for farm animals in Vieques. To help address this need, the CTC Team has begun coordinating a veterinary provider to come the island weekly and assist farmers and ranchers with necessary treatments and immunizations of farm animals. CTC is working to expand the coffee industry in Vieques. The CTC team provided an initial 1,000 coffee plants to local farmers to support coffee production. Coffee production was non-existent in Vieques prior to this activity. CTC is looking to expand the collection offruit from trees around the island, helping provide additional sales to the CTC farmer network. This activity will capture underutilized produce and connect the community to support local food harvesting. The CTC Team is planning to build and install over 150 bee boxes across the island, along with dozens of adjacent wildflower gardens to support essential pollinators.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Impact Statement: Support through the USDA BFRDP program has allowed Community Through Colors (CTC), a nonprofit organization based in Vieques, Puerto Rico, to enhance the agricultural workforce of Vieques by increasing food production and improving livelihood opportunities for local farmers. The CTC Team has equipped socially-disadvantaged, military veteran, and limited resource farmers in Puerto Rico with the skills and infrastructure necessary to develop successful farming operations. The enhanced farming capacity has increased access to local food for low-income populations in Vieques, thereby helping address food insecurity experienced on the island. Participation in this project came from Vieques residents with diverse backgrounds and agricultural skill levels, a majority of whom were unemployed. Many of the new farmers that received CTC-led training, counseling, and equipment support had no prior experience in agriculture. This project has helped beginning and early-stage farmers acquire in-depth knowledge on a wide range of agricultural topic areas. Newly acquired agricultural knowledge was applied by farmers to increase food production and sales. The resulting increase in farm productivity and sales has improved agricultural livelihoods and enhanced the resiliency of the local food system in Vieques. CTC has provided agricultural training, land access, marketing services, financial assistance, and business support to beginning farmers in Vieques. The CTC Team has delivered a comprehensive workshop series to agricultural workers in Vieques; imparting the knowledge and prerequisite skills to expand economic opportunities and bolster financial security through farming. The CTC Team has assisted farmers with connections to purchasers, increasing the amount of food procured locally. CTC efforts have reduced the need for food shipments to Vieques, a remote Caribbean Island which faces logistical challenges and unreliable maritime transport--particularly in inclement weather. This project has enhanced food resilience while minimizing the costs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with food transport in Vieques. Cold storage has been provided to Vieques farmers, helping to increase the shelf-life of food products. Extending the shelf-life of food products through cold storage has resulted in higher profit margins and a reduction in food spoilage. Additionally, this project has minimized the financial cost, energy for transport (including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions), and water associated with organic waste management in Vieques. Over the course of the first project year, the CTC Team has diverted more than 70,000 thousand pounds away from the small landfill on the island to food for animals and organic fertilizer for garden beds. Specific Goals and Objectives: This project has successfully increased the number of active farmers in Vieques from 10 to22 over the firstproject year. Through this project the amount of acreage farmed in Vieques rose from 10 acres to 25acres in one year.The initial success of developing new farmers has led to an increase in agricultural interest from local residents and the municipal government of Vieques. The municipality has agreed to sequester approximately 200 acres to support the next phase of the CTC BFR project. As a result of this project, there was a marked increase in total food production and per acre efficiency of food produced in Vieques. Production yield and food sales data showed the total amount of food produced in Vieques increased three-fold this year, with a 40 percent increase in production efficiency per acre.In addition, local meat production has begun to increase as a result of CTC's livestock and animal welfare training programs. CTC staff has received training in HACCP safety and has begun to train individuals on safe handling of food. All of the food produced through this project was distributed within Vieques, providing a significant increase in the amount of local food produced and consumed on the island. All 10 of the preexisting farmers in Vieques that received assistance from CTC reported increased profits from the previous year. With the support from the USDA BFR grant program the entry cost to farming has been reduced, allowing new farmers the opportunity to earn profits faster than traditional farmers who start with debt. It is projected fornew farmers to begin earning profits in the secondproject year. There was a substantial increase in participation of the local food system as a result of this project. Community engagement facilitated by the CTC Team has resulted in the provision of food to low-income groups and the homeless in Vieques. This work includes providing 50-100 individuals (depending on the week) with nutritious meals twice per week. CTC community engagement activities have become a hub for local individuals and organizations to find new ways to support the community at-large. CTC ensured farmers in Vieques had access to clean water for agriculture. Available water was limited in the first half of 2022 due to extreme drought. CTC helped farmers with access to improved water infrastructure, including the installation of solar water pumps, drip irrigation and water cisterns. CTC has been in coordination with local authorities to drill a well into the largest aquifer in Vieques, helping provide clean water to multiple farms in the central agricultural corridor on the island. Members of the CTC team have begun work to repair a dam that will provide thousands of gallons of water to farms to ensure a resilient water supply in the event of a future drought. CTC coordinates with farmers to ensure production planning aligns with the timing and volume required to deliver restaurant orders and meet market expectations. Five restaurants in Vieques are now receiving weekly orders through the CTC farm network. With local food businesses expressing a high demand for local food products, the CTC farmer network has a great opportunity to expand as production increases.CTC established a weekly market for farmers to sell produce and value-added products grown by Vieques farmers. This was the first of its kind in Vieques, and CTC will continue to expand capacity as agricultural productivity increases.CTC assisted farmers with the collection of produce, and trained farmers on organization of market materials, pricing, and food sale documentation. Farmer surveys provided insights into the beneficial aspects of CTC support and continued challenges farmer's face, andwill help concentrate future CTC assistance efforts. This project helped establish a central food processing center for farmers in Vieques to clean, dry, and store food harvested across Vieques.CTC helped farmers access basic farming materials, including grow trays, storage tubs, seeds, organic fertilizers, and tools. The cold storage has been able to increase the shelf-life of food produced on the island, thereby increasing 1) the amount of food that can be sold, resulting in higher profit margins, 2) the food available to low-income community members, and 3) the flexibility of farmers to navigate different harvest schedules. CTC assists farmers with distribution and sales to nearby restaurants and farmer's market. The CTC Team's composting program has successfully reduced, and provided beneficial use of, food waste. With less organic waste in the landfill, this project has minimized the cost, energy, and water associated with waste management in Vieques. Further, this project has diverted potentially wasted food to productive uses, including food for animals and organic fertilizer for garden beds. This program has reduced the cost of organic compost that is prohibitively expensive for Vieques farmers.
Publications
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