By The Star Staff
With Puerto Rico producing less than 15% of the food it consumes, food security is at high risk, particularly in rural areas.
In response to the pressing issue, the Barranquitas and Guayama campuses of Inter-American University of Puerto Rico are spearheading an initiative to establish a Meat and Poultry Processing Workforce Training Center. Funded by a $950,000 Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grant in 2023 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the four-year project aims to revitalize Puerto Rico’s agriculture sector by developing a skilled workforce in meat and poultry production and processing, according to a statement from NIFA.
Project Director Dr. Yesenia Rivera Rivera said the project offers more than training.
“This project, beyond training, is a business option for those interested in entering the meat industry in Puerto Rico with the skills and knowledge that make them competitive,” she said. “And at the same time, it guarantees Puerto Ricans fresh food from farm to table, minimizing the risk of food shortages.”
The project recognizes the vital role agriculture can play in ensuring food security, generating employment and driving economic growth. By focusing on meat and poultry production, the initiative seeks to strengthen the supply chain for those essential animal-based proteins, which are the main source of protein for Puerto Rico’s population. Currently, only 8.86% of beef, 3.4% of pork, and 21% of chicken consumed on the island are produced locally. The new training center aims to boost those numbers, reducing dependence on imports and enhancing food security.
The training center will be the first of its kind in Puerto Rico. It will recruit 110 students, offering them specialized academic programs designed to meet industry standards. Each campus will be equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, providing students with hands-on experience in meat and poultry processing at the industrial level. The practical training will be complemented by online education, ensuring that the programs are accessible to a wide range of students.
The initiative also includes partnerships with industry experts and the Small Business Technology Development Center to ensure that the curriculum is relevant and up-to-date. A symposium on meat and poultry processing will be held as part of the project, bringing together academia, industry and farmers to share knowledge and best practices.
By investing in the education and training of a new generation of meat and poultry professionals, the initiative will not only strengthen Puerto Rico’s agricultural sector but also will provide a pathway to economic growth and sustainability, proponents said.
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