Puerto Rico explores agricultural labor solutions amid rising worker shortages
September 20, 2025 | House of Representatives, House, Committees, Legislative, Puerto Rico
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The recent government meeting highlighted the critical role of public policy in rehabilitating incarcerated individuals through agricultural work. The discussion centered on the implementation of Law No. 166, which allows the hiring of inmates for various tasks, including agricultural activities. This initiative aims to address labor shortages in Puerto Rico, exacerbated by a declining population and a lack of skilled workers.
Officials emphasized that utilizing incarcerated individuals for agricultural labor not only meets the pressing workforce needs but also provides them with a pathway to rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The Department of Agriculture has been actively involved, contracting with the Department of Corrections to source coffee seedlings, a vital product for local farmers. However, the last contract expired in 2022, and discussions are underway to renew this partnership.
The meeting also addressed the broader agricultural labor crisis, noting that Puerto Rico has authorized an increasing number of foreign workers to fill gaps in the workforce, particularly during peak coffee harvest seasons. The temporary agricultural worker program has seen a rise in foreign labor, with numbers climbing from 20 in 2020 to an anticipated 561 in 2024. This influx is crucial for farmers who face significant losses without adequate labor.
Recommendations were made to ensure that the hiring of incarcerated individuals is streamlined and that employers retain the freedom to choose their workforce based on their needs. The importance of training, transportation, and safety for these workers was also underscored, highlighting the need for a well-coordinated approach between the Department of Corrections and agricultural employers.
As Puerto Rico navigates its agricultural challenges, the integration of incarcerated individuals into the workforce presents a promising solution, fostering both economic growth and social rehabilitation. The next steps will involve refining policies to enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives and ensure that all parties benefit from the program.
Officials emphasized that utilizing incarcerated individuals for agricultural labor not only meets the pressing workforce needs but also provides them with a pathway to rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The Department of Agriculture has been actively involved, contracting with the Department of Corrections to source coffee seedlings, a vital product for local farmers. However, the last contract expired in 2022, and discussions are underway to renew this partnership.
The meeting also addressed the broader agricultural labor crisis, noting that Puerto Rico has authorized an increasing number of foreign workers to fill gaps in the workforce, particularly during peak coffee harvest seasons. The temporary agricultural worker program has seen a rise in foreign labor, with numbers climbing from 20 in 2020 to an anticipated 561 in 2024. This influx is crucial for farmers who face significant losses without adequate labor.
Recommendations were made to ensure that the hiring of incarcerated individuals is streamlined and that employers retain the freedom to choose their workforce based on their needs. The importance of training, transportation, and safety for these workers was also underscored, highlighting the need for a well-coordinated approach between the Department of Corrections and agricultural employers.
As Puerto Rico navigates its agricultural challenges, the integration of incarcerated individuals into the workforce presents a promising solution, fostering both economic growth and social rehabilitation. The next steps will involve refining policies to enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives and ensure that all parties benefit from the program.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting