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PS 878

Para crear y establecer la “Ruta Turística del Café y Haciendas Cafetaleras de Puerto Rico”; demarcar el área geográfica comprendida en las regiones agrícolas cafetaleras; ordenar a la Compañía de Turismo de Puerto Rico y al Departamento de Agricultura establecer un acuerdo para el desarrollo de estas rutas agro turísticas cafetaleras; establecer responsabilidades al Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas, la Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica, la Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados y el Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña; crear una Junta Ejecutiva; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico establishes a coffee tourism route connecting plantation haciendas across agricultural regions, requiring inter-agency coordination to develop agro-tourism infrastructure and experiences.

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Bill Summary · PS 878

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 878 creates a "Coffee Route and Coffee Plantation Haciendas Tourist Route" in Puerto Rico by designating geographic areas within coffee-growing agricultural regions. The bill mandates coordination between the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and Department of Agriculture to develop agro-tourism routes, while assigning infrastructure and cultural responsibilities to transportation, energy, water, and cultural institutions. It also establishes an Executive Board to oversee implementation.

Why is this important

Coffee production is historically and culturally significant to Puerto Rico's identity and rural economy, particularly in mountain regions like Utuado and Jayuya. This initiative could diversify rural income through tourism, preserve agricultural heritage, and improve infrastructure in traditionally underserved coffee-growing communities. Success depends on sustained inter-agency coordination and adequate funding for route development and maintenance.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill mandates multiple government agencies' involvement but doesn't specify budget allocation or funding sources, risking implementation delays or incomplete development
  • Private property and access rights: Creating tourist routes through agricultural regions requires clarifying landowner consent, liability, and compensation, which the bill doesn't explicitly address
  • Agency coordination challenges: Requiring the Tourism Company, Agriculture, Transportation, Energy, Water Authority, and Cultural Institute to work together may create bureaucratic bottlenecks without clear authority hierarchy or enforcement mechanisms

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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