Senate approves measure to integrate food security, sustainability into educational curriculum

By THE STAR STAFF

As part of efforts to strengthen food security in Puerto Rico and prepare future generations for the challenges of sustainable development, the island Senate on Wednesday approved Senate Joint Resolution 113, authored by District 4 (Mayagüez-Aguadilla) Sen. Jeison Rosa Ramos.

The measure orders the Department of Education to incorporate agricultural education, food security and sustainability as a cross-cutting theme in the curriculum of the public education system, from elementary to higher education, with the purpose of expanding students’ access to knowledge related to food production, environmental conservation, responsible use of natural resources and sustainable development.

“Puerto Rico imports a large portion of the food it consumes, making it essential to develop greater awareness of the importance of our agriculture and food security,” the senator said. “This measure aims to ensure that our students acquire knowledge from an early age that allows them to understand the value of local food production, the protection of our natural resources, and the building of a more sustainable future for the island.”

The resolution stipulates that the cross-cutting theme includes areas such as sustainable agriculture and agroecology, food production, agricultural biotechnology, pest management, agricultural marketing and agribusiness, use of agricultural technology, livestock and animal production, and food processing and distribution, as well as environmental conservation and natural resource management.

Among other provisions, the measure establishes that the Department of Education must develop and integrate that content into the different academic areas, coordinate training programs for teaching staff in collaboration with specialized entities and present an implementation plan to the Legislative Assembly within a term of 180 days.

“Strengthening our food security requires a long-term vision,” Rosa Ramos added. “Educating students about agriculture, sustainability, and food production is an investment in Puerto Rico’s ability to face future challenges and take advantage of the opportunities offered by this important sector of our economy.”

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.