Puerto Rico bill proposes coffee tourism route
New Progressive Party Sen. Jeison Rosa-Ramos has introduced Senate Bill 878, legislation that would create the “Coffee Tourism Route and Coffee Haciendas of Puerto Rico,” an initiative intended to promote agrotourism and support the revitalization of the island’s historic coffee-producing regions.
The bill would formally define the geographic area encompassing Puerto Rico’s coffee-growing municipalities and designate the route as an official tourist destination. It also directs the Puerto Rico Tourism Co. and the Agriculture Department to enter into a cooperative agreement to develop coffee-related agrotourism routes, with support from multiple government agencies.
Under the proposal, agencies including the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, the Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority and the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture would be assigned responsibilities related to infrastructure, utilities, cultural preservation and signage. The bill would also establish an executive board to oversee planning and implementation.
Route, agencies and planning
In the bill’s statement of motives, Rosa-Ramos pointed to the historical and economic role of coffee in Puerto Rico, noting that exports were a central pillar of the island’s economy from the 16th through the 19th centuries.
“At its peak, Puerto Rico ranked as the sixth-largest coffee exporter in the world, shipping some 60 million pounds annually to international markets and earning a reputation for premium-quality coffee consumed across Europe and beyond,” the statement says.
The legislation argues that integrating coffee production with tourism and re-entering export markets could help sustain local producers over the long term. Puerto Rican coffee, the bill notes, has historically been recognized for its quality by international tasters and retailers and associated with European royalty and the Vatican.
The proposed Coffee Tourism Route would include 22 municipalities, largely concentrated in the central mountain region: Orocovis, Jayuya, Villalba, Coamo, Adjuntas, Ponce, Utuado, Lares, Las Marías, Ciales, Añasco, Maricao, San Germán, Mayagüez, Sabana Grande, Yauco, Guayanilla, Peñuelas, Arecibo, Juana Díaz, San Sebastián and Moca.
The measure also calls for an inventory and assessment of active and inactive coffee haciendas, many of which played a central role during the industry’s peak but are now abandoned or underutilized.
Supporters say restoring those properties as cultural and tourism assets could help preserve agricultural heritage while generating economic activity in the central region.
Under the bill, the Tourism Co. would be required to develop a strategic plan for the route, with technical support from the Agriculture Department and historical guidance from the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture.
Participating municipalities would identify attractions, artisans, festivals and infrastructure needs, while public agencies would conduct studies related to utilities and transportation.
If approved, the measure would take effect immediately.
