“Para crear la plataforma digital "Agro Hub" bajo la administración del Departamento de Agricultura de Puerto Rico, con el propósito de conectar a los agricultores locales con mayoristas, restaurantes, comercios y consumidores, facilitando la comercialización de productos agrícolas locales, promoviendo la digitalización del sector y fortaleciendo la seguridad alimentaria de la Isla; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Create Agro Hub, a Department of Agriculture-run digital marketplace linking local farmers with buyers and consumers to boost local sales and food security.

Retirada por su Autor

Summary of Puerto Rico Senate Bill PS 418

PS 418 sought to create the digital platform "Agro Hub" under the administration of the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture. The platform aimed to connect local farmers with wholesalers, restaurants, retailers, and consumers to facilitate the marketing of local agricultural products, promote sector digitization, and strengthen the island’s food security. As of May 30, 2025, the bill has been withdrawn by its author.

Key purpose and intent

Establish a centralized online platform, Agro Hub, administered by the Department of Agriculture of Puerto Rico.

Create a marketplace and network to link:

Local farmers
Wholesalers
Restaurants
Retailers and other businesses
Consumers

Facilitate marketing and sale of locally produced agricultural products.

Promote digitalization of the agricultural sector.

Strengthen food security on the island by improving market access and supply chain visibility.

Provisions and changes (what the bill would do)

Create and authorize the Agro Hub platform to be run under the Department of Agriculture.

Provide a framework for connecting supply (farmers) with demand (wholesalers, restaurants, retailers, and consumers).

Promote digitization of the agricultural sector as part of the platform’s objectives.

Enhance food security through improved access to local products and streamlined marketing channels.

Note: Specifics such as governance details, funding sources, data/privacy protections, fee structures, user registration requirements, eligibility criteria, and implementation timelines are not provided in the information available here. The summary reflects the purpose and broad aims stated in the bill title and related actions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced (radicado): March 13, 2025

Appearance in Senate First Reading (Primera Lectura): March 19, 2025

Referred to Committee(s): March 19, 2025

Status update: Withdrawn by its author on May 30, 2025

Current status: Not active or advancing in the legislative process; possible future reintroduction or incorporation into other legislation remains a possibility.

Potential impact and considerations

Positive effects if implemented: improved market access for local producers, increased efficiencies in marketing and distribution, and stronger local food security through digitization.

Risks/uncertainties to consider: governance of the platform, data privacy and security, cost of development and maintenance, long-term sustainability, inclusivity for smallholders with limited digital access, and how the platform would interact with existing procurement and regulatory frameworks.

What’s next

As PS 418 has been withdrawn by its author, it is not currently moving through the legislature. It could be reintroduced in the future or influence related legislation or administrative initiatives within the Department of Agriculture or other agencies. Stakeholders should monitor for any new proposals or updates related to Agro Hub or similar digital marketplace efforts.

Bill