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Agriculture Secretary reveals 2022 Agriculture Census

Writer's picture: The San Juan Daily StarThe San Juan Daily Star

Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Ramón González Beiró.


By The STAR STAFF


The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Ramón González Beiró, revealed the results of the 2022 Agricultural Census compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the Federal Department of Agriculture (USDA), with a sustained increase in product sales of agricultural resources reaching $703 million, which represents an increase of 45 percent compared to 2018.


This supports the public policy of Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi and the secretary of increasing the production of fresh products available to consumers in Puerto Rico.


The document also reveals an increase in land areas compared to 2018.


By 2018 there were 487,775 acres and the year 2022 reflected 494,481 acres cultivated. The regions with the most farms on the island are Utuado, Lares and Caguas.


“This is revealing news that exemplifies our commitment and the Governor’s efforts with agriculture. The data collected indicates substantial growth and general improvement in the different industries underlining the effort and dedication of our farmers and ranchers. It is also important to highlight that for years we have seen how the data was decreasing and now we see how it is increasing. These are good statistical data for our agriculture,” said González Beiró.


Likewise, the secretary expressed that the findings of these statistical data reflect the transparency in the granting of incentives from the Department’s different programs, achieving better performance for our farmers by providing them with the necessary tools. The increase in acres of land reflects how the sector has been consolidating so that the operation of the farms is more efficient.


These numbers are a testament to the hard work of the entire Department component to support the agricultural industry and the strength of our farmers, however, if we compare with the DA’s statistical data, our numbers reflect a more significant increase because we accounted for the fishing industry, among other sectors, as well as federal and state incentives. By adding this data, so far, around $939 million in gross income has been recorded.


According to the Census, the largest increases in sales of agricultural products were poultry and poultry products, coffee, bananas, plantains, pineapples and other tropical fruits. While the main municipalities in sales were Santa Isabel, Arecibo, Salinas, Hatillo, Juana Díaz, Cidra, Camuy, Aibonito, Barranquitas and San Sebastián.


On the other hand, milk was the main product in Puerto Rico with $173.0 million in sales, followed by poultry products with $111.2 million; vegetables with $74 million; bananas with $56.3 million; fruits $49.8 million; floriculture with $47.5 million; vegetables with $42.5 million and finally bovine with $36 million.


“Equally here we highlight the crucial role of agriculture in the local economy, which also generates jobs and provides fresh, quality food,” González Beiró pointed out.

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