Regenerative Farming

We are restoring the soil to restore the island. By combining traditional wisdom with modern regenerative techniques, we are proving that agriculture can be the strongest tool for ecological recovery.

Date:

Ongoing

Client:

Vieques, Puerto Rico

Category:

Sustainable Agriculture and Farming

Service:

Rural Community Development

Farmer Support

Building a stronger agricultural community is at the heart of what we do. La Finca de Hamberto actively supports Puerto Rican farmers, providing direct and indirect assistance to 110+ disadvantaged agricultural producers. We offer vital resources like livestock (chickens and ducks), market support to reduce individual risk, and invaluable workshops demonstrating sustainable production methods. We even provide access to land, improving opportunities for beginning farmers, and supply feed to improve the diet of laying hens and swine. Our team goes the extra mile with labor, materials, and consultation, helping farmers fix fences, combat pest infestations, transition to sustainable farming practices, and recover crops after challenging events like Hurricane Ernesto. We are fostering collaboration, not competition, among farms in Puerto Rico.

Strengthening the Local Food Web

Direct Producer Assistance Providing comprehensive support to over 110 disadvantaged agricultural producers across Puerto Rico.
Critical Resource Sharing Lowering barriers for beginning farmers by supplying vital assets
Boots-on-the-Ground Recovery Going beyond advice to offer physical assistance with fence repairs, pest management, and crop recovery after climate events
Market Access & Risk Reduction Connecting independent farmers to markets and creating a safety net that allows small growers to thrive

Date:

Ongoing since 2018

Client:

Vieques, Puerto Rico

Category:

Sustainable Agriculture and Farming

Service:

Environmental Recovery

Silvopasture & Rotational Grazing

Our animals are more than just livestock; they’re integral to our regenerative farming practices. Through silvopasture and rotational grazing, we’re mimicking natural ecosystems, improving soil health, and boosting biodiversity. Our grazing animals, like sheep and goats, move systematically across our land, naturally fertilizing the soil and controlling foliage. This practice allows for more efficient use of space and provides natural shade for the animals, especially when paired with our agrivoltaics initiatives. We’re proposing to expand our cow pasture from 5 to 25 acres and begin milking cows, utilizing pasteurization via our home biogas system. We’re also implementing regular goat and sheep rotation on primarily pasture forage and developing structured breeding programs for goats, sheep, and rabbits. These sustainable farming techniques build healthy ecosystems on Vieques.

Ecosystem Synergy: Animals & Land

Systematic Soil Regeneration Using rotational grazing to naturally fertilize soil and control invasive growth without chemicals.
Symbiotic Land Management Integrating livestock with solar arrays to provide shade while animals manage the vegetation.
Sustainable Dairy Expansion Scaling to 25 acres to launch a local dairy program powered by our own biogas system.
Resilient Herd Genetics Developing goat, sheep, and rabbit breeds specifically adapted to thrive in the Vieques climate.

Get Your Hands Dirty

Sustainable farming is a labor of love that requires daily dedication. Whether you are a student or a neighbor, we invite you to join us in the field and be part of the work we do.

Sun to Soil, Through to Sovereignty

True food sovereignty extends far beyond the fence line. It requires clean energy, educated farmers, and a nourished community working in unison. Explore how these distinct initiatives weave together to build a completely self-reliant ecosystem for Vieques.