Recognizing the challenges of starting any type of business, the Corporación Juvenil para el Desarrollo de Comunidades Sostenibles (CJDCS), through its AgroInnova program, successfully provided a comprehensive training experience with both conceptual and practical components. The program implemented innovative outreach and recruitment methods and delivered meaningful hands-on technical assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers.
The program was designed for 140+ participants, including 10% Military Veterans and 70% socially disadvantaged individuals. It aimed to develop five formal value-added enterprises using locally grown products and enlisted five experienced farmers/ranchers as mentors to empower the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. Participants were expected to complete the 6-month training cycle, including five specialized certifications, followed by hands-on mentorship and an apprenticeship component supervised by agricultural experts.
During the first two years of the program, it exceeded its targets, recruiting 203 participants and achieving 94 completions—surpassing the goal of 91. Four training cycles were conducted, offering 95 workshops and 21 farm visits, including practical experiences that reinforced theoretical knowledge. Twenty-two participants have completed business plans with marketing components. The Universidad del Sagrado Corazón facilitated 20 certificate courses, equipping participants with critical skills for agricultural business success.
Additional achievements included the incubation of four value-added enterprises, focused on products such as local coffee, medicinal plants, hot sauces, and vinaigrettes, and the active engagement of eight experienced farmers as mentors. Despite challenges such as weather disruptions and scheduling adjustments, the program adapted to ensure that all goals were met and that participants were well-supported throughout their training journey.
By the end of the reporting period, AgroInnova had made significant progress in fostering agricultural innovation, sustainability, and economic development in Puerto Rico.