Puerto Rico’s Department of Economic Development and Commerce, abbreviated as DDEC, rewarded the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, popularly referred to as RUM, with a sum of $1 million. This substantial sum serves as an incentive that seeks to invigorate creative tasks, fundamental and applied studies via the Center for Agro-industrial Innovation and Technology, otherwise known as CITAI. This funding is specifically dedicated to catering to the needs of the local and international agricultural biomes and the value-added food production chain.

This financial incentive promotes collaborations designed to enhance training, bolster technical support provision, foster the development of innovative products, and incubate burgeoning enterprises. Furthermore, it aims to revolutionize CITAI’s governance framework, ensuring its future self-sustainability.

Additionally, part of the grant will be dedicated to procuring modern apparatus and machines, expanding current facilities, and formulating robust contingency plans, as per the institution’s officials.

In a statement, DDEC Secretary Manuel Cidre affirmed the island government’s dedication to continuously formulating and implementing innovative initiatives in the research and development sector. This initiative aims to cement Puerto Rico’s reputation as the Caribbean hub for the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors.

“This is part of its diversified economic development plan that includes the modernization of agriculture and achieving food sustainability,” he noted.

Cidre emphasized that research and development, knowledge creation, commercialization and intellectual property protection are crucial to supporting and maintaining a healthy innovation ecosystem.

“This agreement with CITAI is consistent with our interest in achieving the transfer of discoveries from the laboratory to the market, a key element on the path to innovation and economic vitality. We share the mission of promoting a world-class agribusiness through associations and research that lead to commercialization and contribute to the growth and socioeconomic well-being of Puerto Rico,” Cidre added.

RUM Rector Agustín Rullán-Toro noted that CITAI provides the food and beverage industry in Puerto Rico with the “necessary knowledge, resources and technology to strengthen its position and be more competitive within Puerto Rico, but also to prepare it for exporting, which is one of the activities that seeks to promote an economy that develops the agro-industrial workforce and promotes economic development on the island.”

“This relationship between the RUM and the DDEC can be likened to a seed and fertilizer needed for growth. It is paramount that there’s mutual cooperation among government bodies, academic institutions and industries. This is key to advancing the welfare of all, while also promoting top-tier research in fields that matter to the growth, sustainance and overall development of CITAI,” mentioned Rullán-Toro.

“This collaboration would provide the necessary support for scientists, engineers, and tech professionals to bring their innovative projects to life, which would in turn bolster our economy and society through knowledge exchange, learning and effective implementation,” he further elaborated. “Recent disaster situations have underlined the necessity of local production of food items and the creation of superior infrastructure that can respond quickly to any challenges that pop up, including those of an emergency nature.”

The agreement also highlights the importance of transforming agricultural resources into products with added value, thereby generating more income and job opportunities, along with propelling science, quality standards, and technology.

The focus areas of implementation would include corporate structure, governance and management, facility and equipment provision, marketing and business growth, and programs that boost economic development.

The work plan includes establishing the roles and responsibilities of the talent to be hired, identifying projects and investment, and evaluating initiatives to modernize and optimize infrastructure, thereby increasing the competitiveness of the agro-industrial sector.