The Inter American University of Puerto Rico will establish a Meat and Poultry Processing Workforce Training Center designed to revitalize Puerto Rico’s agriculture sector, develop a skilled workforce and improve food security on the island.
"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,” project director Dr. Yesenia Rivera-Rivera said.
“And at the same time, it guarantees Puerto Ricans fresh food from farm to table, minimizing the risk of food shortages."
The four-year project is funded by a $950,000 Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Natural disasters challenge food production
Hurricanes Maria and Fiona, as well as the global COVID-19 pandemic, devastated Puerto Rico’s agriculture sector. This sector now represents less than 1% of Puerto Rico’s Gross Domestic Product.
The island now produces less than 15% of the food it consumes. Animal protein production is in worse shape, with only 8.86% of beef, 3.4% of pork and 21% of chicken consumed on the island produced locally. Food insecurity is particularly a challenge for those who live the rural areas of Puerto Rico.
With a focus on meat and poultry processing, the new Training Center will strengthen the supply chain for animal-based proteins. Boosting pork, beef and chicken production on the island could reduce dependence on imports.
Food security, employment and economic growth will also benefit. Workforce hiring and retention is a major challenge for poultry processing facilities throughout the U.S.
Workforce development
The Meat and Poultry Processing Workforce Training Center plans to recruit 110 students, with each campus equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories to provide hands-on experience.
Industry experts and the Small Business Technology Development Center have partnered with the Training Center to ensure an up-to-date curriculum.
In addition to the Workforce Center, Puerto Rico opened it’s first School of Veterinary Medicine, the Ana G. Mendez University, in 2023.
