Food producer network 2020 grantee

Cundeamor

Cundeamor's story is one of commitment to Puerto Rico’s land and agriculture. Its founder, Antonio Rosa, lived for several years in the mainland United States, but his love for his family and Puerto Rico was stronger, so he returned to the island. He started Cundeamor by selling products from his family's farm at El Mercado Libre in Santurce. After Hurricane Maria, Cundeamor began helping other farmers get their products to market, organically creating a much-needed distribution network. Antonio buys seasonal crops from smallholder farmers and resells them to customers who purchase in bulk, such as restaurants and markets. He is able to visit farms that are far from the cities and offer them the security of not having significant losses of products or income. At the same time, Cundeamor gives restaurants and consumers the opportunity to access unique local products, which can often be difficult to find.

With the Food Producer Network grant Antonio will purchase a small truck with more space in order to accommodate greater amounts of product from the farms he visits. Not only will this new vehicle guarantee growth for Antonio’s business, but it will also reinforce his commitment to sustainable farms, to the health of the people and the economy, and to strengthening Puerto Rico's food security and resilience.