Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture

The Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture is one of the few Cabinet-level government agencies explicitly created by the Constitution of Puerto Rico[1] as the Department of "Agriculture and Commerce", most of the commerce at the time of its enactment being agriculture-based. The DAC oversees rural development work and conservation and is headed by a cabinet secretary. The current appointed secretary is Myrna Comas Pagan.

Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture
Department overview
FormedApril 25, 1940 (1940-04-25)
Preceding department
JurisdictionExecutive branch
Headquarters1311 Avenida Manuel Fernández Juncos
Santurce, San Juan, PR
Department executive
Key documents
Websitewww.agricultura.gobierno.pr
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History

Prior to the Constitution, according to law 60 of April 25, 1940,[2] it was known as Department of Agriculture.

The purpose of DAPR is to:

  • Support agricultural production, commercial fishing, and aquaculture to ensure fair prices and stable markets for producers and consumers;
  • Work to improve and maintain farm income; and
  • Help to develop and expand markets abroad for agricultural products.

Activities
Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture building in Santurce, San Juan

DAPR administers rural development, credit, and conservation programs that are designed to implement national growth policies, and it conducts scientific and technological research in all areas of agriculture. Through its inspection and grading services, DAPR ensures standards of quality in food offered for sale.

Throughout the years, the department's name has been modified, as well as its structure, but today remains a separate structure with additional agencies and public corporations as part of the Department of Agriculture "umbrella".

The department is headed by a cabinet secretary, appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico and subject to the advice and consent of the Senate of Puerto Rico. The current incumbent is former Myrna Comas Pagan.

Secretaries

References
  1. "Artículo 4-6: Departamentos ejecutivos". La Rama Judicial de Puerto Rico. Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  2. "Inicio". Departmento de Agricultura de Puerto Rico. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
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