Programa de Subsidio Salarial Agrícola

A wage/payroll subsidy administered by the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture (ADEA) that reimburses agricultural employers a portion of their qualifying wage and payroll-tax costs, helping producers retain agricultural labor.

Puerto Rico bona fide farmers / agricultural employers who employ agricultural workers and pay at least $5.25/hour (the wage guaranteed by Ley 60), and who meet employer obligations (employer Social Security, unemployment insurance, and state insurance fund). General ADEA program requirements also apply (legal farm operation, current Merchant Registration, Agricultural Insurance Law compliance, AgroPerfil registration, and a completed General Survey).

Reimburses 50% of the hourly rate paid by the employer per certified hour worked, capped so it does not exceed 50% of the federal or state minimum wage, with a guaranteed minimum of $2.72 per certified hour worked (since July 1, 2021) and up to a maximum of about $250,000 per year, subject to annual budget (Código de Incentivos de Puerto Rico, Ley 60-2019; the law sets no fixed cap so long as budget permits). Sector-specific wage subsidies also apply: dairy $0.022 per quart certified by ORIL; broiler producers $5.55 per 1,000 lbs of certified chicken; egg producers $1.40 per 30-dozen case plus $0.15 per certified pullet; coffee harvest $1.50 per almud of ripe Arabica (max $1,200 / 800 almudes); and a Christmas bonus (Bono de Navidad) of $165–$235 for workers earning over $200 in certified agricultural wages.

Apply through your ADEA regional office; applicants must be registered in AgroPerfil (agricultura.pr.gov).