Food producer network 2020 grantee

De Hoyos Farm LLC / Siembra la Tierra

Faced with the eventual closure of the pharmaceutical company where they both worked, Omar and Denisse made a decision: she would remain at the company until the end, while he would resign to start the family project they had been discussing for a long time. This is how Siembra la Tierra was born, an agro-industrial company dedicated to growing and harvesting bananas and plantains and using them to manufacture gluten-free culinary products. Located in Jayuya, in the center of the island, they make flour blends, powders, and cookies with their plantain flour as the main ingredient. They also preserve and pack plantains and starchy roots for sale using a vacuum sealing machine.

Their company's objective is to evolve local traditional cuisine, bringing gluten-free foodstuffs to the market, without preservatives or added sugars. In just three years, Siembra la Tierra’s products can be found in the vast majority of the island's main supermarkets. With the support of Plow to Plate, Omar and Denisse will acquire a vacuum sealer and an industrial dehydrator that will allow them to increase the processing volume of raw material for their flours. This expansion will also help them establish partnerships with local farmers, from whom they can purchase raw product for processing. With their complete packaging line, they plan to increase production by 60% and increase overall efficiency.