Relevant Invasive Species for the Agricultural Sector in Puerto Rico: Identification of the Probable Economic Impact

Carmen I. Alamo and Jamille Palacios

No 256521, 40th Annual Meeting, July 19-23, 2004, St. Johns, U.S. Virgin Islands from Caribbean Food Crops Society

Abstract: The Agricultural Sector in Puerto Rico from 1998 to 2002 reported an annual mean Gross Agricultural Income (GAI) at farm level of $718.9 million. During this six-year period the livestock and crop commodities generated a mean gross income of $390.1 and $231.0 million, respectively. Dairy production was the most important commodity; it generated an annual mean gross income of $193.7 million, 26.9% of the total GAI. The principal crops and their mean gross income in millions were: plantain, $48.6; coffee, $38.4; ornamentals, $33.5; bananas, $13.3; and mango, $12.8. Besides their economic contribution, coffee, plantain, and bananas have a social and environmental importance because the production areas are located mostly in the central mountain region in Puerto Rico. The agricultural sector is the major source of income and employment in the central mountain area. In this area rise the rivers and lakes utilized as water sources for human and agricultural consumption. The established invasive species, or the ones with establishment potential, that could impact economically the principal agricultural commodities were identified. The invasive species at a pre-entry level identified for the crop commodities are coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei); black sigatoka for plantain and banana (Mycosphaerella fijiensis); and the mango seed weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae). The established invasive species identified for dairy production are the Johnei Disease causal agent (Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis) and the parasite tick (Boophilus microplus). This study will emphasize the crop invasive species. The economic impact of the invasive species on the agricultural sector was classified as direct impact to the commodity, the market, and the trade; as indirect impact on the environment, health, and other economic sectors.

Keywords: Agribusiness; Agricultural and Food Policy; Crop Production/Industries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 13
Date: 2004-07-19
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:cfcs04:256521

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.256521

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