Empowering Farmers

Learn about our commitment
to support small and beginning farmers develop their resilient farming operations.

Our Story

Cultivando Resiliencia was one of the projects selected for the fiscal year 2023 grants under the 2501 Program through the proposal ‘Cultivating Resilience Outreach and Assistance Program for Disadvantaged Farmers in Puerto Rico’ (CROPPR) by the Hispanic-American Institute. (Link to the grant list: https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/underserved-veteran-farmers-ranchers-foresters).

The goals of the Cultivating Resilience Program: Outreach and Assistance Program for Disadvantaged Farmers in Puerto Rico (CROPPR), administered by the Hispanic-American Institute (HAI), are to foster the development of current and potential farmers to create, operate, and maintain resilient agricultural and forestry operations that are environmentally friendly and respectful of the ecosystem, while ensuring equitable access to USDA programs (United States Department of Agriculture).

To achieve these objectives, the Institute is partnering with organizations that promote sustainable agriculture and equity: the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies of the University of PR Utuado (DECEP-UPRU) and the “Resiliency Law Center” (RLC), a non-profit organization, as well as agronomists and experts in agribusiness and responsible farming practices, to provide training, workshops, and technical assistance. Our collaborators include USDA agencies, which actively participate in outreach activities that are another pillar for the program’s success.

Our Missions and Goals

Empowering Farmers to Develop Resilient and Sustainable Agricultural Operations

Foster the development of underserved and small farmers and beginning farmers through education and training.

Promote equity by reducing barriers to access USDA programs through outreach and information.

Enhance farmers productivity and prosperity, and sustainable food production.

Objectives

Increase awareness of USDA programs and connect farmers with USDA local resources to encourage participation and relationship building.
Foster knowledge and skills to develop and operate sustainable and resilient agricultural related businesses.
Education and training about agri-entrepreneurship and conservation practices.
Address barriers and promote equitable access to information and encourage farm registration and utilization of USDA programs.

Target Area

In Puerto Rico there are differences in demographic, literacy, and terrain and soil conditions, which represent barriers to small rural farmers having access to learning, resources, and assistance. We aim to impact farmers in on low-income, mostly rural municipalities in the central-west and northwest of Puerto Rico.

USDA P2501

The P2501 Program, established by the 1990 Farm Bill, aims to support small farmers, ranchers, and foresters to access to USDA programs and services. In 2014, the program was expanded to include veterans.

Through the 2501 Program, the USDA provides grants to community-based organizations, higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, and eligible tribal entities with at least three years of experience working with small and veteran farmers and ranchers. Individual farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply for these grants.

Due to differences in demographics, culture, economics, language, and other factors, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters. The 2501 Program partners are based in local communities and rural areas where they play a critical role in enhancing USDA outreach by identifying barriers and working to improve participation in USDA programs and services. Funded projects include conferences, education, and workshops on various farming topics and techniques, as well as efforts to connect small farmers and ranchers with USDA representatives to raise awareness of available programs and services.