Gov’t extends deadline to apply for farming incentives

By THE STAR STAFF

Farmers in Puerto Rico now have until Dec. 15 to apply for this year’s agricultural incentives, following an extension announced by designated Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres alongside Gov. Jenniffer González Colón. The original deadline was Sunday, Nov. 30.

The program, which supports purchases ranging from fertilizers to livestock, saw a major funding boost this fiscal year -- from $37 million to $61 million. About 75% of the funds have already been distributed, Rodríguez Torres said, noting that applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to eligibility until resources are exhausted.

The additional $24 million allowed the department to expand eligible categories and increase subsidy amounts. For example, incentives for beef cattle rose from $200 to $300 per head, while egg-laying hen support now applies to farms with 1,000 hens or more, down from the previous threshold of 10,000 -- a change aimed at helping small producers.

“These incentives used to favor large-scale farmers,” González Colón said, emphasizing that the new approach seeks to make the program more inclusive.

Technology incentives have also gained traction. Farmers using drones for spraying or fertilizing can receive $100 per hour, up to $8,000 per beneficiary.

Applications can be filed at the department’s central office or regional offices in Arecibo, Caguas, Lares, Mayagüez, Naranjito, Ponce, San Germán and Utuado.

The governor highlighted that the funding increase is part of a broader effort to reduce Puerto Rico’s dependence on imported food, which currently accounts for 80-90% of consumption.