Agriculture, Food & Beverage

Embracing Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence

Research Capability and Incentives Create the Climate For Success

A new generation of farmers⁠ is building on the foundation of Puerto Rico’s agricultural community, launching farm-to-table restaurants, developing artisanal food products, and embracing sustainable farming techniques. These trends, combined with competitive incentives and emerging interest in hemp and medical cannabis, mean that agriculture in Puerto Rico continues to grow and evolve.

90^%

share of agbiz income is exempt from income taxes

85%

of seeds used in AgBio research around the world pass through PR

^$2.17B

total food, beverage, & tobacco manufacturing GDP.

CONNECT WITH BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Agricultural Incentives

Bona Fide Farmers are exempt from paying income taxes on 90% of income that comes directly from the agricultural businesses. Eligible activities include:

Raising animals to produce meat, milk, or eggs used for human food, or raw materials for other industries
Agricultural operations that buy raw material produced in Puerto Rico
Activities of the dairy industry
Marine culture, commercial fishing, and aquaculture
Commercial production of flowers, plants, and ornamental grasses
Cultivation of fruits and vegetables by hydroponic methods
Breeding thoroughbred, racing, riding, and fine-step horses
Tillage or cultivation of the land to produce fruits, vegetables, spices, and seeds

For more information on the exemption, see Chapter 8 of Act 60 (page 243).

Agricultural Incentives

Bona Fide Farmers are exempt from paying income taxes on 90% of income that comes directly from the agricultural businesses. Eligible activities include:

Raising animals to produce meat, milk, or eggs used for human food, or raw materials for other industries
Agricultural operations that buy raw material produced in Puerto Rico
Activities of the dairy industry
Marine culture, commercial fishing, and aquaculture
Commercial production of flowers, plants, and ornamental grasses
Cultivation of fruits and vegetables by hydroponic methods
Breeding thoroughbred, racing, riding, and fine-step horses
Tillage or cultivation of the land to produce fruits, vegetables, spices, and seeds

For more information on the exemption, see Chapter 8 of Act 60 (page 243).

Manufacturing Food and Beverage Products

Food and beverage manufacturing is a major contributor to the local economy. Global giants such as Coca-Cola and Goya, as well as local enterprises like Vaquería Tres Monjitas and Molinos de PR, employ thousands of people and contribute significantly to the island’s GDP.

Cervecera de Puerto Rico sells $176M of its Medalla Light beer every year
World-famous rum distilleries like Bacardi and Serralles (Don Q) and smaller craft producers supply more than 70% of rum sold in the United States, or about half a billion dollars

Envision a Future In Agriculture Biotechnology

Agricultural biotechnology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Puerto Rico’s economy.

Key Factors: Fueled by favorable year-round climate, skilled and professional labor, agricultural academic research centers, excellent soil quality, proximity to the U.S. mainland, rapid transportation system, and intellectual property protection.
Home to Major Players: Pioneer, Bayer, Syngenta, Mycogen Seeds, and Dow-Agro.
Moving the local economy: These companies employ over 2,500 people and have a combined estimated operational budget exceeding $75 million.

Puerto Rico’s Agricultural Biotechnology Assets

The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez is a land-grant university with a well-developed agricultural sciences research community and several agricultural experimental stations across the island.

A 22,000 sq. ft. facility for agricultural biotech research and training (CEIBA)
Seed research and field trials at several company research stations
Major research and development projects in agricultural products including corn hybrids and other field crops
Favorable weather conditions allow four to five crops to be produced in a year period
Micropropagation and tissue culture facilities

Connect to Agriculture, Food, and Beverage Organizations

A large, professional network of industry associations, educational institutions, local and federal government supports this growing sector.

Food Marketing, Distribution & Industry Association (MIDA)

Hemp Licensing & Inspection Office (OLIC)

INDUNIV Research Consortium

Land Authority of Puerto Rico (ATPR)

Puerto Rico Agricultural Biotechnology Industry Association (PRABIA)

Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture (DAPR)

Puerto Rico Farm Bureau (PRFB)

Rums of Puerto Rico

U.S. Department of Agriculture Puerto Rico Farm Service Agency (FSA)

U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez: Agriculture Extension Service

Single Business Portal

Entrepreneurs and innovators that are ready to invest and transform their businesses in Puerto Rico can access the Single Business Portal (SBP). The Single Business Portal helps you navigate the ins and outs of getting your project off the ground, offering information, documents, permits, and licenses – all in a streamlined and efficient tool.

Access here