Food producer network 2020 grantee

Hortalizas Hidropónicas del Oeste

Hortalizas Hidropónicas del Oeste grows fresh herbs, greens, microgreens, and vegetables through the efficient use of water and nutrients via hydroponics. With plans of expanding their production to new Puerto Rican government-funded hydroponics greenhouses, Ana and José will add 21,000 square feet of space to grow sweet peppers and other crops. Producing that much food requires considerable upgrades to meet food safety requirements, including refrigerating produce before reaching the market.

Ana and José will use their WCK grant money to purchase an 8’ x 12’ walk-in cooler so they can safely store their fresh produce. With this cooler their monthly production will increase 10%, and by up to 20-40% in the next few years. Even more sustainably, the refrigerator unit is solar-powered, harnessing the beautiful sunshine that pours down on the farm.