U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden is visiting the USDA's Southeastern Climate Hub station in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, on Friday to get a first-hand look at how the hub is providing information to help farmers learn more about climate change.

"We want to understand the challenges farmers are dealing with," Harden said during an interview with Latin Post. "They need technical support in dealing with draught, heat and pests. All of those things impact the profitability of a farm and we want to make sure all the producers have the education on how they can improve their farms."  

To assist farmers and landowners adapt and adjust their farming and management methods, the U.S. Department of Agriculture established Climate Hubs in seven regions throughout the U.S. and one at the U.S. Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry and Caribbean Landscape Conservation Cooperative, located in Rio Piedras.

In her role as Deputy Secretary, Harden focuses on building stakeholder relationships, enhancing land and water conservation, and improving economic opportunities. According to Harden, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands face different problems due to climate change.

Puerto Rico's tropical climate is perfect for the production of such typical agricultural products as mangos, avocados, yucca, yautia, and even coffee. Over the course of the 20th century, Puerto Rico's agricultural economy was overlooked in favor of industrial development. Today, agricultural production is increasingly important to the island's economy, particularly a new niche, organic sector led by private sector and entrepreneurial farms.

Harden will also visit farms in an effort to learn as much as possible during the trip.

"We want to talk to farmers and landowners and get their perspectives and make sure Puerto Rico and the Caribbean are plugged into the overall USDA plan and what we're doing for mitigation and adaptation for farmers and landowners," she said.

In addition, Harden will tour El Yunque National Rain Forest to learn how climate change has impacted the rainforest.