Corporación Juvenil para el Desarrollo de Comunidades Sostenibles/AgroInnova strengthens Puerto Rico’s local food system by preparing small and mid-sized producers to access institutional markets such as schools and hospitals. Through a coordinated planning process, the project brings together farmers, food manufacturers, institutional buyers, government partners, and logistics experts to co-design practical solutions for equitable local procurement. The work focuses on clarifying regulatory pathways, strengthening infrastructure and distribution capacity, and developing viable business models that allow local producers to participate sustainably in institutional purchasing. By centering collaboration across the food chain and aligning with existing procurement systems, the initiative lays the groundwork for long-term partnerships that increase market access for producers while improving the availability of fresh, culturally relevant foods in public institutions.
