BFRDP Projects

The proposed BFRDP was to serve 120 individuals, 10% Veterans and 72 were expected to complete the program successfully.  The BFRDP surpassed all goals by recruiting 470 individuals; 325 started training; 110 attended more than 1 workshop, 167 completed the program successfully rather than the 72 proposed, and at least 69 started farming.  We recruited over 100 Veterans, 69 enrolled in the BFRDP and 24 graduated successfully.  385 Specialized Certificates were presented by the Interamerican University Continuing Education Division in 19 separate instances.  119 workshops and 22 visits to farms were included in 6 cycles of training of 6 months each.  Puerto Rico experienced and Earthquake and the COVID-19 Pandemic and the program was stopped, but continued its success after re-opening.  12 documentaries of successful graduates were filmed, 16 Business Plans were completed, over 30 farms were visited by our team of over 10 Agronomists and 168 completed their budget. We encouraged participants to include their families and had 15 family circles.  BFRDP graduates currently participate in our Farmers’ Markets selling their agricultural related products and most importantly, all of the participants are aware of the importance of Food Security in the Island as we import over 90% of our food.  Some are farming for their own consumption, alternative health products, some have agro-tourism projects and other are sawing commercially and have developed value added products.