Puerto Rico's Food Sovereignty Fund

On August 15, 2024, Hurricane Ernesto struck the island, bringing intense rainfall and powerful winds to several regions and causing widespread agricultural damage. Throughout September, we provided recovery support to farmers within our network who suffered considerable losses on their farms. Reports on substantial crop losses, including pigeon peas and platains that had been carefully cultivated for the holiday season, a vital income period for these farmers. Strong winds uprooted trees, damaged shade structures, and destroyed fruit-bearing plants, while extensive flooding submerged fields, degraded soil quality, and left some crops underwater for prolonged periods.

Beyond crop damage, farmers also faced infrastructure challenges, with essential farming structures such as irrigation systems, shelters, and equipment impacted. The primary sources of damage were high winds, which toppled plants and tore through protective coverings, and flooding, which oversaturated the soil, reducing chances for crop recovery. Our response included financial grants, material assistance, and work brigades, all aimed at helping farmers rebuild, restore their crops, and regain stability after the storm. 

Since Hurricane Fiona in 2022, we have supported 15 food production projects in post-disaster recovery. This funding has also facilitated the implementation of green infrastructure projects in urban areas, bolstering resilience and sustainability in these environments. 

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