The appointment of Wilson Rivera González as PRABIA’s new president and the release of a strategic study mark the beginning of a promising year for the organization.
The Puerto Rico Agricultural Biotechnology Industry Association (PRABIA), celebrating 30 years of advancing agricultural biotechnology on the island, announces the appointment of Wilson Rivera González as its new president, along with the presentation of a study conducted by Estudios Técnicos, Inc. This report highlights the socioeconomic impact and strategic importance of the agricultural biotechnology industry in Puerto Rico.
Wilson Rivera González, a professional agronomist with extensive experience in managing various crops, has over 20 years of expertise in agricultural biotechnology. He has led environmental compliance strategies, quality management, and community engagement initiatives at global companies such as Bayer AG and Monsanto. His focus on sustainability and innovation has played a crucial role in strengthening the sector’s growth. He has promoted responsible agricultural practices while fostering strategic alliances between industry, academia, and local communities.
“It is an honor to take on the role of PRABIA president and lead an organization that plays a vital role in Puerto Rico’s economic and social development,” said Rivera. “I am grateful for the trust that PRABIA’s Board of Directors has placed in me. My commitment is to work closely with our members, academia, and communities to position Puerto Rico as a global leader in agricultural biotechnology.”
Key Findings: The Economic and Social Impact of Agricultural Biotechnology in Puerto Rico
This milestone year is also an opportunity to reflect on PRABIA’s present and future. With this in mind, PRABIA commissioned Estudios Técnicos, Inc. to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the agricultural biotechnology industry’s current state in Puerto Rico. The study evaluates its economic and social impact while guiding future strategies to address local and global challenges.
The report confirms that the industry is a cornerstone of Puerto Rico’s economy and a key player in the global infrastructure supporting sustainable agriculture. Key findings highlight the significant contributions of agricultural biotechnology to the island’s economy and well-being, emphasizing its role as an economic driver, job creator, and catalyst for sustainable innovation. The fiscal year 2024 report reveals:
- Direct Economic Impact: The industry generated $284 million in economic activity and contributed $9.3 million in taxes.
- Impact on the Southern Region: The biotechnology sector plays a crucial role in employing specialized professionals in southern Puerto Rico and strengthening the region’s agricultural economy. PRABIA and its members create a ripple effect by engaging local suppliers, increasing demand for goods and services, and stimulating economic activity in nearby municipalities.
- Job Creation: The industry employs 2,906 individuals with an average salary of $62,894—three times the regional average income.
- Community Initiatives: Companies in the sector invested $176,400 in community outreach programs, including scholarships, summer camps, specialized training, and collaborations with local universities.
- Regional Leadership: Puerto Rico competes favorably with countries like Chile, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, excelling in innovation, educational partnerships, and the development of drought-resistant crops.
The report also underscores the industry’s contributions to critical areas such as food security and sustainability. Through research and seed development, Puerto Rico’s agricultural biotechnology sector is helping to tackle global challenges, including climate change, population growth, and dwindling agricultural resources. To access the executive summary of the report, interested parties can contact PRABIA through its official website at www.prabiapr.org or via email at info@prabiapr.org.
“The impact of agricultural biotechnology in Puerto Rico goes beyond economics; it also enhances the quality of life in our communities and helps address global food security challenges,” Rivera emphasized.
Commitment to Innovation and Sustainable Development
Under the leadership of Wilson Rivera González, PRABIA reaffirms its mission to promote research, technological development, and strategic alliances between industry, academia, and local communities. The organization also underscores the need for public policies that bridge workforce skill gaps and ensure a reliable infrastructure to support the sector’s growth.
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.