As part of the Agriculture Week Challenge, high school students visited a PRABIA member company to explore opportunities in biotechnology and agricultural sciences.
Mayagüez, Puerto Rico — The Puerto Rico Agricultural Biotechnology Industry Association (PRABIA) partnered with the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) as a key ally in the third edition of the Agriculture Week Challenge. This educational event offers high school students the chance to discover the academic and professional opportunities available through UPRM’s College of Agricultural Sciences.
As part of the program, 55 selected students visited the facilities of RiceTec, a PRABIA member company. There, they toured crop fields and learned firsthand how this leading rice seed developer combines science, technology, and innovation to strengthen food security.
“The Agriculture Week Challenge is exactly the kind of initiative we must continue to support and expand,” said Wilson Rivera González, President of PRABIA. “At PRABIA, we are committed to guiding the next generation of young people who are betting on agricultural sciences and the growth of our fields. Seeing their dedication is truly inspiring.”
The program offers an immersive educational experience through presentations on the College’s 13 academic programs, hands-on lab exercises, and field activities. The five-day event is held in a hybrid format, with three days on campus and two virtual sessions.
Former PRABIA President and RiceTec General Manager, Sol Rosado, praised the students’ enthusiasm:
“It’s inspiring to see students so focused and committed to their academic future. We thank UPRM for allowing us to be part of this experience, which is without a doubt an important step for those considering a career in agriculture and biotechnology.”
Through this collaboration, PRABIA reaffirms its commitment to driving educational initiatives that strengthen local talent and position Puerto Rico as a leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability.
For more information about PRABIA, visit https://prabiapr.org/
About PRABIA
Founded in 1995, the Puerto Rico Agricultural Biotechnology Industry Association (PRABIA) is a nonprofit organization representing the agricultural biotechnology companies operating in Puerto Rico—BASF, Bayer Crop Science, Corteva Agriscience, Illinois Crop Improvement Association, Rice Tec, and Syngenta. PRABIA aims to strengthen the island’s agricultural biotechnology ecosystem in response to global food production challenges. The operations of PRABIA member companies drive economic development, generate over 2,900 direct and indirect jobs, foster education, support local communities, and collaborate with academia through programs aimed at future scientists and agronomists.
For more information about PRABIA, visit www.prabiapr.org or follow the official Facebook page at @PRABIAPR.