The government meeting held on September 20, 2025, by the Cámara de Representantes in Puerto Rico focused on the implementation of various initiatives from the governor's plan, particularly addressing the challenges surrounding agricultural labor and visa processes.

The session began with a presentation on the current status of 15 to 18 initiatives, each assigned a project manager to ensure effective execution. A significant topic of discussion was the agricultural visa program, which has become a pressing concern for local farmers. The representatives acknowledged the difficulties faced by farmers in securing necessary labor, particularly the technicalities involved in obtaining visas for foreign workers.

A key point raised was the need for better communication and education regarding the visa process for farmers. It was noted that while private associations have been active in this area, there remains a gap in providing clear guidance to farmers about the requirements and procedures involved in hiring foreign labor. The discussion highlighted that the federal housing department regulates the visa process, requiring farmers to demonstrate their efforts to recruit local workers before they can qualify for foreign labor.

Statistics presented during the meeting revealed that out of 749 agricultural job vacancies this year, only four local workers accepted job offers, while 424 foreign workers were employed. This stark contrast underscored the urgency of addressing labor shortages in the agricultural sector.

The representatives also discussed the implications of the 2019 Law 60, which consolidated various agricultural incentives and aimed to maintain a stable workforce on farms. The law allows for subsidies to be paid to farmers to ensure they can offer competitive wages to their workers, whether local or foreign. However, concerns were raised about the potential impact of including foreign labor on the availability of resources for local workers.

In conclusion, the meeting emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to improve the agricultural labor situation in Puerto Rico. The representatives agreed to follow up on the discussed initiatives and recommended further evaluation of the visa process to ensure that farmers have the necessary support to meet their labor needs effectively. The session ended with a commitment to continue addressing these critical issues in future meetings.