The Problem We Set out to Solve

Puerto Rico has the land, talent, and history to produce the vast majority of its own food—yet most of our food is imported, and too many farmers struggle to thrive. For decades, small and mid-scale producers have faced barriers that make it difficult not only to start a farm, but to sustain one.

A Broken Food System Hurting Local Communities

Despite our agricultural potential:

• Over 85% of food in Puerto Rico is imported, weakening local food security.

• The average age of a Puerto Rican farmer is 60.8 years old

• PR has suffered a 59% reduction of farmers since the year 2000

• Rural communities have lost 11.8% of its population since 2000

• Many communities lack access to fresh, healthy, and affordable locally grown food.

• Rural families—especially youth—often leave the island in search of better economic opportunity.

Farmers Are Growing Against the Odds

Farmers across Puerto Rico face steep challenges:

• Limited access to practical training, mentorship, and technical assistance

• High start-up costs and minimal access to land, markets, small-scale and highly efficient equipment or capital

• Climate shocks, hurricanes, and infrastructure barriers that threaten production

• Little support to diversify income or build profitable, resilient farm businesses

For many, farming becomes a passion without a pathway to economic stability.

Knowledge and Tradition at Risk

Generations of agricultural wisdom are disappearing. Schools rarely teach farming. Young people see agriculture as an outdated or unlivable career. Without intervention, the island risks losing its most valuable asset—its food producers.

We Saw the Need for a New Approach

Farmers didn’t need another theory-based workshop. First we listened, and then developed systems of hands-on training, community support, real market access, and a pathway to increasing farming income all the while promoting food sovereignty and reducing food insecurity.

Monte Azul was born to fill this gap—by empowering farmers with the tools, skills, and opportunities to succeed in a modern, sustainable, regenerative agricultural economy.

Our Solution: Growing Change from the Ground Up

At Monte Azul, we believe that the most powerful way to transform Puerto Rico’s food system is by equipping farmers with the knowledge, resources, and market access they need to thrive—not just survive. Our approach focuses on both the farmer and the ecosystem they grow within, creating long-term, community-rooted change.

We Don’t Just Teach Farming — We Build Sustainable Livelihoods

Our model connects education, economic opportunity, and community support into a pipeline that empowers farmers at every stage of their journey.

Our Theory of Change

1. Knowledge & Skills → Empowered Farmers

We provide hands-on, practical training in sustainable agriculture, business management, and value-added production. When farmers gain skills grounded in real-world practice, they build confidence and capacity to grow successfully.

If farmers have access to high-quality, practical educational tools and knowledge, they gain the tools to farm regeneratively and profitably.

2. Community & Mentorship → Strong Support Networks

Farmers learn best in community. Through our network, workshops, courses, online Digital Library and technical services programs, producers receive ongoing support, guidance, and collaboration opportunities. Our team embodies the future of farming in Puerto Rico—young, highly trained agronomists, soil scientists, and agricultural economists who were born and raised on this island and are deeply committed to transforming its agricultural future.

If farmers are supported by community, they are more resilient and innovative.

3. Market Access & Infrastructure → Financial Stability

Training isn’t enough—farmers must be able to sell what they grow. Our Food Hub, processing spaces, and value-added product development create real economic pathways.

If farmers can access markets and earn stable income, they can sustain their farms, support their families, and grow their impact while inspiring the next generation of agricultural producers.

4. Regenerative Practices → Healthier Rural Communities

We promote ecological farming that regenerates soil, protects biodiversity, and increases resilience to hurricanes and climate change.

If farms adopt regenerative methods, Puerto Rico builds long-term food security, climate resilience, and resilient economies in rural areas.

Impact at a Glance:
Who We Serve & Why It Matters

Through our flagship program, Academy of Sustainable Agriculture & Innovation, we are equipping a new generation of farmers with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to succeed in Puerto Rico’s agricultural sector. Our participant demographics show that Monte Azul is reaching diverse, multigenerational, and underserved producers.

Our Academy is reaching younger, more diverse, and small-scale farmers compared to the island’s agricultural averages.

Participant Profile

• Average age: 42.5
  (PR farmer average: 60.8 — we are engaging the next generation)

• Age range: 18–72
  Multigenerational learning that preserves and transfers agricultural knowledge

• 42.3% women
  (Nearly double PR’s 24% women farm operators — advancing gender equity in agriculture)

• Average farm size: 15 acres
  Serving the small and mid-scale producers who are essential to local food systems. Average PR Farm size is 65 acres (2022 USDA Agricultural Census)

Why It Matters

• We are attracting younger entrants into farming, supporting long-term food security.

• We are elevating women in agriculture, expanding leadership and economic opportunity.

• We focus on small and mid-scale farms, which are the heart of resilient local food economies.

Immense Gratitude to Our Supporters

Monte Azul’s story is not one we have written alone. Every step of our journey has been shaped by the generosity, partnership, and shared belief of those who stand with us.

We are proud to collaborate with community-based organizations, public and private agencies, and mission-aligned partners who help us deliver our programs in rural communities across Puerto Rico. Their trust and collaboration make it possible for us to reach farmers where they are and build a movement grounded in community.

We are also deeply grateful for the financial support of individuals, foundations, and organizations in Puerto Rico and across the United States who believe in our vision. Their contributions have fueled our growth, expanded our impact, and helped us bring training, resources, and opportunities to the farmers who feed our island.

To everyone who has supported us along the way — thank you.
Your commitment makes this work possible, and your belief in a more sustainable and food-secure Puerto Rico inspires us every day.

Together, we are cultivating resilience, transforming agriculture, and sowing seeds of hope for generations to come.

We want to especially thank the following supporters for their generosity:

• The Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh

• FirstBank of Puerto Rico

• Puerto Rico Farm Credit

• USDA Rural Development

• Titín Foundation

• PRxPR

• USDA Healthy Food Financing Initiative

• American Farmland Trust

• NutriendoPR

• Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico

• Cáritas de Puerto Rico

• Novum Foundation

• ConPRmetidos

• Hispanic Federation

• Peter Alfond Foundation

• WorldCentric

• Donativos Legislativos de Puerto Rico

• Foodshed Capital