Empowering Change:
Our Projects in Action
Here at La Finca de Hamberto, we’re not just growing food; we’re growing solutions.
Each of our projects is designed with a purpose:
to build a more resilient Vieques, foster sustainable agriculture and farming, and create a vibrant future for our island home.
Don't just toss out food scraps; help us turn that waste into a valuable resource! Our Food Scrap Program is a cornerstone of our circular economy, transforming leftovers into nutrient-rich compost.
Food is love, and our Community Kitchen is a testament to that. In supporting COREFI with the Comida Caliente program, we’re combating food insecurity for Vieques' most vulnerable communities.
Building a stronger agricultural community is at the heart of what we do. We actively support Puerto Rican farmers, providing direct and indirect assistance to 110 disadvantaged agricultural producers.
Knowledge is power, especially in sustainable agriculture. Our hands-on workshops and educational programs are designed to share vital expertise, empowering our community to build a more resilient and independent food system.
Animals are more than just livestock; they're integral to our regenerative farming practices. Silvopasture and rotational grazing mimicks natural ecosystems, improving soil health, and boosting biodiversity.
Imagine solar panels providing clean energy and shade for our animals and crops. That's the beauty of agrivoltaics. An innovative and efficient use of space, demonstrating our commitment to climate smart agriculture
Harnessing energy from organic waste is a key component of our circular economy vision. Our biogas system aims to capture methane for energy, potentially fueling our cooking needs or even a pizza oven!
We're exploring the potential of hydrogen power on the farm. Though in the conceptual stages, this ambitious project aligns with our long-term vision for complete energy independence and truly sustainable farms.
Innovation never stops at La Finca de Hamberto. We're always looking ahead, planning and implementing new initiatives to further our mission of sustainable farming and to support rural development across Vieques.
The ultimate goal of La Finca de Hamberto has always been to build resilience in Vieques. At the forefront of La Finca is creating sustainable food systems on the island through USDA organic regenerative farming. However, the team at La Finca knows that one sustainable farm is not enough. That’s why we support other farmers and rural development in Puerto Rico to create an ecosystem of food growers.
We are always working towards energy independence, food security, and community resilience with our projects and community partners. We would like to proudly introduce you to our projects, their impact, and what we have planned for the future. Take your pick of the project above and discover what has been happening, and what’s to come!
Our vision for the future involves deepening our ecological roots while widening our production capacity. From expanding dairy operations and poultry flocks to refining critical infrastructure like biosecurity and cold storage, every project is calculated to increase our resilience. We are actively building the systems needed to feed Vieques for generations to come.
Implementing natural erosion control using patchouli grass and radish between our goat pen and banana field, and between the chicken coop and banana field, showcasing effective sustainable farming methods.
Expanding our cow pasture and beginning milk production, using our home biogas system for pasteurization.
Implementing regular goat and sheep rotation on pasture forage and structured breeding programs for goats, sheep, and rabbits. We’re also removing pigs and geese to convert their pens into a butcher station and feed storage, and purchasing new baby chickens and turkeys, aiming for 500 chickens and 100 turkeys.
Clearing a section of our sheep field for tractor chickens/turkeys between passionfruit and developing a back garden with passionfruit, reccao, turmeric, and garlic.
Improving seed storage and organization, building employee lockers for better biosecurity, and improving cold storage rotation and separation.
Expanding market opportunities through a regular Vieques farmers' market.
Adding lettuce and aji dulce to our regular garden rotation.
Implementing regular composting and irrigation schedules.
Developing a more extensive pollinator program with a focus on food forest bat boxes, beehives, and flower fields, enhancing ecological biodiversity.
Our projects are making a tangible difference in Vieques. In 2024, La Finca de Hamberto distributed over fifteen thousand pounds of locally produced, nutritious food to nearly fifty individuals and thirteen markets and restaurants in Vieques. We also support other farmers by connecting them to high-return markets.
Our rural development efforts extend beyond sales. We are actively involved in restoration agriculture, helping to restore agricultural land damaged by hurricanes and promoting ecological biodiversity. Our aim is to foster a healthy, vibrant ecosystem that supports both our farm and the wider community. The impact of sustainable farming grants allows us to continue and expand this vital work.
One highlight was our collaboration with La Colmena Cimarrona, hosting seven students and partnering with local farmers for a comprehensive introduction to livestock ranching and value-add food production. Students, like Abraham Velez handling our cow Luna, gained hands-on experience and learned about meat and dairy production, breeding, and feeding. After a traditional meal featuring farm-fresh ingredients like arroz con gandules, fresh bread, cheese, jam, and juice, students even collected their food scraps for our chickens, learning firsthand about the circular economy from production to waste reduction.
We’re also providing direct support to farmers like Luis Cintron, whose farm suffered fence damage from Hurricane Ernesto, allowing wild horses to destroy his crops. We’re assisting with repairs and hope to connect him to markets for his specialty crops like reccao, and even explore developing a large, mature food forest on his property, shared with other farmers. This is all part of our commitment to rural development and strengthening the agricultural landscape of Vieques.
Resilience isn’t just a goal; it is the daily practice of turning challenges into abundance for our community. Here is the tangible impact of our work to restore, feed, and empower our neighbors this past year.
The success of La Finca de Hamberto and our vital projects relies on the generous support of individuals and organizations who share our vision for a sustainable Vieques. Your contribution, whether through donations, volunteering, or partnerships, directly fuels our efforts in rural development and helps us continue our impactful work.
Your financial contribution allows us to expand our projects, invest in new technologies like agrivoltaics, and reach more community members and Puerto Rican farmers. Every dollar makes a difference. Consider supporting our application for the specialty crop block grant.
Get your hands dirty and join our team! We welcome volunteers who are passionate about sustainable farming and making a tangible impact. Learn about regenerative farms firsthand and be part of the change.methods, improving opportunities for beginning farmers
We are actively seeking partnerships with organizations, businesses, and government agencies, including the USDA, to amplify our reach and impact. Collaboration is key to building a truly sustainable food system in Vieques. We believe our work aligns with USDA rural development goals.
Cultivating food sovereignty and ecological resilience in Vieques, Puerto Rico. We are a USDA Organic farm dedicated to building a self-sufficient future through regenerative agriculture, rural development, and hands-on community education.
Our Ecosystem of Impact: La Finca de Hamberto, Community Through Colors, and Sail Relief Team form a collaborative network. Together, we build community resilience through art, food sovereignty, and disaster response.
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