(a) The Committee shall recommend a Research Program that shall include necessary areas of basic and applied research directed to solving the problems of our farmers and of our agricultural enterprises, as well as to foster and promote the economic development of our agriculture. The Program shall receive the approval of the Secretary, pursuant to § 71 of this title, before the implementation thereof by the Committee.(b) The priority research areas are:(1) Food processing and development of new products.(2) Marketing of farm fresh and processed agricultural products.(3) Biotechnology and genetic improvement in plants and animals.(4) Pest and disease control in plants and animals.(5) Production of certified seed.(6) Agricultural mechanization and automation.(7) Fish and animal feeding, reproduction and production.(8) Techniques for the production of tropical crops with commercial potential for Puerto Rico.(9) Use and management of natural and environmental resources in agriculture with emphasis on the sustainable management of water resources in agricultural and agroindustrial enterprises.(10) Soil and fertilizer management.(11) Implementation of biosecurity measures on the re with emphasis on the sustainable management of water resources in agricultural and agroindustrial enterprises.(10) Soil and fertilizer management.(11) Implementation of biosecurity measures on the farm.(12) Packing and handling of agricultural products in the farm.(13) Efficient use of energy in agricultural operations and in the production of energy alternative to fuel.(c) The priority research areas shall be reviewed and updated annually by the Committee. History —Mar. 18, 2008, No. 26, § 5, eff. 30 days after Mar. 18, 2008.
Puerto Rico Legal Code