Agroecology school encourages farming as food costs continue to rise in PR
By THE STAR STAFF
With food prices in Puerto Rico rising by an estimated 30% over the past six years, the Josco Bravo Agroecology School (Escuela de Agroecología del Josco Bravo) is encouraging residents to learn how to grow their own food as a way to reduce household expenses and strengthen food security.
The organization on Tuesday announced the opening of applications for its 2027 Agroecological Producers and Promoters Course, a six-month program designed to train new farmers and equip participants with the skills needed to grow food for personal consumption or commercial production.
The program, which will run from January through June 2027, expects to serve more than 250 students through nine locations across Puerto Rico, including Ciales, Loíza, Orocovis, San Juan, San Lorenzo, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Ponce and Mayagüez.
“This is a comprehensive course that covers all aspects of producing food without agrochemicals using resources accessible to anyone,” said agronomist and instructor Ian Pagán Roig. “It includes everything from seed propagation and soil preparation to crop maintenance, natural pest control, organic fertilizer production and marketing.”
The 20-week course combines classroom instruction with hands-on agricultural training and is geared toward participants of all experience levels, from beginners who have never planted a seed to seasoned farmers seeking to expand their knowledge.
Omar Colón, a farmer and instructor for the Mayagüez section, said many people underestimate how much food can be produced in limited spaces.
“People are surprised by the amount of food that can be grown in relatively small areas,” Colón said. “A residential backyard can provide a significant portion of a household’s meals, and large farms are not necessarily required to make a living from agriculture.”
The Mayagüez section was recently relocated after the administration of the University of Puerto Rico’s Mayagüez campus ended a collaborative agreement with Josco Bravo. The partnership had helped train some 500 farmers over the past decade at the university’s Finca Alzamora agricultural facility.
Despite the change, Colón said, local farmers, schools and institutions in the region have stepped forward to support the program.
“We have been fortunate,” he said. “Farming families, schools and institutions in Mayagüez and neighboring municipalities have opened their doors to us. We remain hopeful that the collaboration with the public university will resume, but in the meantime we continue our educational mission.”
A key component of the course is the development of a shared agroecological garden maintained by students throughout the semester. At harvest time, participants divide the produce among themselves.
“Students take home many pounds of vegetables, fruits and herbs during the harvest period,” Pagán Roig said. “These products contribute significantly to their household food supply.”
The course meets once a week at each location. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 23. Additional information and application forms are available through the Josco Bravo organization’s website.
