4 farmers’ markets get federal support for locally grown products

By THE STAR STAFF

Four farmers’ markets in northwest Puerto Rico are receiving federal support through a new initiative aimed at expanding access to locally grown fresh produce while creating new economic opportunities for agricultural producers.

The program, called Mercados Noroeste (Northwest Markets), is administered by the Hispanic-American Institute (HAI) and operates farmers’ markets in Aguadilla, Quebradillas, Isabela and Hatillo, serving some 47 farmers and value-added producers. The initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

“This program allows us to enhance our efforts in building food infrastructure for communities in the northwest municipalities by increasing direct farm-to-consumer sales points,” said Carlos M. Axtmayer Fernández, the program coordinator at the HAI. “Given the current situation, it is imperative to support our agricultural entrepreneurs and promote their products.”

The program provides support for coordination, operations, marketing and equipment at four farmers’ markets in the northwest region. They are:

* Aguadilla Farmers Market: A weekly market supported through a partnership with a local nonprofit organization.

* Mercadito 00678: A monthly market held on the fourth Sunday of the month in the San José neighborhood of Quebradillas.

* Mercado Agrocosteño: A monthly market held on the first Sunday of the month in Isabela, coordinated by Conservación Costera PR.

* Mercadillo: A market held every second Saturday in Hatillo, coordinated by the Museo del Reciclaje.

“Thanks to the support of Mercados Noroeste, the Mercadillo has become a gathering place for the community, where knowledge is exchanged about the importance of agriculture, environmental conservation, and solid waste reduction practices,” said Dariana Ojeda of the Museo del Reciclaje. “At the Mercadillo, we aim to promote the circular economy within the community.”

Julitza Nieves, a representative of the Aguadilla Farmers Market, highlighted the program’s impact on professionalization efforts.

“The impact we’ve had through our collaboration with Mercados Noroeste is evident in our improved promotion focused on producers, the necessary equipment to meet their needs, and the professionalization of our team with uniforms,” she said.

The initiative includes discussions with farmers on maximizing their harvests through value-added products and offers a series of free virtual workshops on food safety and good agricultural practices. Participating farmers are also eligible for individualized technical assistance and equipment to enhance product processing. Registration for the workshops is available on the program’s website at MercadosNoroeste.com.

The Hispanic-American Institute, established in 1997, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the social, educational, and economic development of Hispanic communities in the continental United States, Puerto Rico and Latin America.