Puerto Rico: Students Cultivate Sustainable Ag Careers

The Student Internships and Faculty Training in Sustainable Management of Agricultural Systems (SuMAS) project, a collaboration between Cornell University and the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM), equips Puerto Rican students with skills in sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. Funded by a USDA-NIFA Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education grant, the program led by Maricelis Acevedo connects students with Cornell faculty for experiential learning across disciplines like crop sustainability, integrated pest management, and livestock science. In 2023, six UPRM students participated in a summer internship, engaging in research and reflections on Puerto Rico's agriculture needs. Ibiza Lebrón worked with the Pro-Dairy Team on a case study evaluating recycled manure solids as bedding and fertilizer at the Teaching Dairy Barn, advocating for anaerobic digesters on the island to produce renewable energy, reduce odors and greenhouse gases, and provide bedding, fertilizers, and nitrogen retention. Diego Rodriguez collaborated with the New York State IPM team, shifting from agrochemical reliance to environmentally friendly pest solutions benefiting human health and ecosystems. The intensive program fosters interdisciplinary knowledge at agriculture-social science intersections, preparing students for resilient food systems amid Puerto Rico's challenges like natural disasters and food insecurity. Interns gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge practices, such as manure management innovations and IPM strategies, directly transferable to local contexts. Reflections highlight mindset shifts, opening career opportunities and emphasizing practical applications like energy production from waste. The partnership strengthens faculty ties and builds a pipeline of trained professionals for Puerto Rico's agricultural sector. By focusing on sustainability, SuMAS addresses vulnerabilities exposed by events like Hurricane Maria, promoting regenerative practices. Students return equipped to implement low-impact technologies, enhancing crop yields, soil health, and resource efficiency. Program elements include lab work, fieldwork, and mentorship, ensuring comprehensive preparation. This initiative exemplifies successful higher education collaborations in underserved regions, yielding publications, policy recommendations, and community impacts. Future iterations aim to expand participation, integrating more UPRM students into Cornell's ecosystem for mutual knowledge exchange. Overall, SuMAS invests in human capital for long-term agricultural resilience.