In a recent meeting of the Agriculture Commission, held on September 26, 2023, critical discussions emerged regarding the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in agricultural laws and regulations in Puerto Rico. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as members voiced their frustrations over outdated legislation that has not kept pace with the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.

One of the key points raised was the necessity to investigate and amend existing laws, some of which date back twenty to thirty years. A particular focus was placed on Law 61, which has caused significant division within the management of resources between Codremar and the Department of Agriculture. The speakers emphasized that while the government is expected to comply with these outdated regulations, it often fails to do so itself.

The meeting also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the fishing community in Puerto Rico, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricanes Irma and María. Seven years later, the community is still grappling with the consequences, including delayed aid and insufficient regulatory frameworks to mitigate future disasters. Members called for accountability and transparency in the distribution of funds allocated for disaster relief, noting that over eleven million dollars had been earmarked for recovery efforts since 2018, yet many of the promised resources have not materialized.

Concerns were raised about the allocation of funds for projects that seem unrelated to the immediate needs of the fishing industry. For instance, a recent allocation of nearly five hundred thousand dollars for a sargassum removal project was questioned, as many felt it did not directly address the pressing issues faced by local fishermen. The meeting underscored a collective desire for a more effective and responsive system that prioritizes the needs of the agricultural and fishing sectors.

As the discussions unfolded, it became clear that the path forward requires not only legislative reform but also a commitment to ensuring that funds are used effectively and transparently. The commission members expressed a strong desire for public accountability and documentation of the processes involved in disaster relief, aiming to prevent the recurrence of such deficiencies in the future. The meeting concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders to work collaboratively towards a more resilient agricultural framework that can withstand the challenges posed by both natural disasters and outdated regulations.