Agriculture Dept. launches Puerto Rican Land Week.
- The San Juan Daily Star
- May 5
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
The Department of Agriculture on Sunday announced the start of the 71st Puerto Rican Land Week, which is being observed all of this week under the theme: “Where the land flourishes, livestock thrives, and water offers us fish; harvest, raise livestock, and fish.”
The celebration brings together a diverse agenda of educational, cultural and recognition activities aimed at highlighting the importance of the agricultural sector, the conservation of natural resources, and the value of the island’s farmers, ranchers and fishermen, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to sustainable development and local production.
In a first for the commemoration, La Fortaleza (the Governor’s Mansion), the Capitol Building and the Department of Agriculture’s central building in San Juan will be illuminated in green throughout the week as a symbolic tribute to Puerto Rican land and all the farmers who sustain food production every day. The gesture represents institutional support for the growth of agriculture and those who are an essential part of the industry.
This year’s official poster was designed by Briana Armijo Serralta, a student at the Central School of Visual Arts, who was selected after a competition involving 25 students.
Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres emphasized that the celebration represents an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the community and the agricultural sector, while also recognizing the efforts of those who work the land.
“Earth Week is an opportunity to reconnect with who we are: a productive, resilient land brimming with agricultural talent,” he said. “This year, we are taking that message to every corner, promoting the consumption of locally produced goods and recognizing the work of our farmers, ranchers, and fishermen.”
As part of the initiatives, the agency will be promoting public participation in spaces like “La Placita en Plaza” at Plaza Las Américas, where citizens are invited to support local products.
This year, the Agriculture Department headquarters takes on greater significance as it opens its doors to what has always been the farmer’s home to celebrate Agricultural Night, an event featuring musical performances, traditional activities and gathering spaces designed for family enjoyment, highlighting the island’s traditions and the rich culture linked to the agricultural sector.
Below is the official schedule of activities starting today:
Tuesday, May 5
Activity: Tree and Youth Day
Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Finca Semilla / Cacao 360, Barceloneta
Description: Educational workshop for young people focused on planting, sustainability and modern agriculture.
Thursday, May 7
Activity: La Placita en Plaza – A Tribute to Our Agricultural Traditions
Time: 10 a.m. -1 p.m.
Location: Plaza Las Américas
Description: A space to promote the consumption of products grown, raised, and fished in Puerto Rico, strengthening the connection between consumers and farmers.
Friday, May 8
Morning activity: Farmer and Conservationist Day
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: La Fortaleza, San Juan
Description: Official recognition of outstanding farmers and conservationists.
Afternoon/evening activity: Agricultural Night
Time: 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Department of Agriculture, San Juan
Description: Cultural event with music and traditional activities celebrating our traditions.
This is a really interesting initiative highlighting the importance of agriculture and local food systems in Puerto Rico. Events like Land Week are a great way to bring attention to farming, sustainability, and the people who work the land every day. It also helps connect communities with where their food comes from and encourages more support for local producers. Overall, it’s a meaningful step toward strengthening awareness around agriculture and its long-term value for the island.