Puerto Rico to maintain $63.1 million in agricultural incentives for new fiscal year

Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced on Thursday that Puerto Rico will maintain the historic increases in agricultural incentives approved last fiscal year, keeping the full $63.1 million investment intact for 2026-2027.

The announcement, made alongside Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres in Cidra, ensures that farmers, ranchers, fishers and other agricultural producers will continue to receive expanded state-funded support without any cuts.

The governor highlighted that for the first time in years, the administrative orders authorizing the incentives were signed during the first days of the fiscal year. This change allows farmers to begin applying immediately rather than waiting months for the program to open. Applications are available through the Agriculture Department’s AgroPerfil platform and regional offices, with a deadline of Oct. 31, 2026.

González Colón said the early approval is meant to give producers more certainty as they plan their operations. Rodríguez Torres added that keeping the expanded benefits signals stability for the sector and eliminates delays that previously slowed the application process.

The incentive package preserves increases across a wide range of agricultural activities. Support continues for fertilizer and soil inputs, beef cattle purchases, cacao seedlings, drone technology for spraying and fumigation, and machinery rentals for land preparation and other essential work. Regional infrastructure and equipment projects remain eligible for partial cost coverage, and the poultry program will continue expanding to include small producers with flocks of 1,000 birds. The pork industry will retain its incentive for replacement sows.

Major allocations also remain unchanged. The Permanent Improvements Program will continue with $7.9 million to support infrastructure, equipment, technology and expansion projects. The dairy industry will again receive $12.2 million to stabilize production. The agricultural wage subsidy remains one of the largest components, with $33 million dedicated to payroll support and worker retention. Farmworkers will continue to receive the Christmas bonus for certified agricultural wages above $200, and coffee harvesters will continue to receive $1.50 per almud (approximately 8.8 pounds) of ripe coffee picked.

Officials said the continuity of the incentive package is intended to help producers manage rising costs and encourage investment in modernization and expansion. The total state investment remains at $63.1 million, matching last year’s historic level.

Farmers interested in applying can do so through AgroPerfil or by visiting regional Agriculture Department offices.