Mr. Hugo Diaz Molini has been a CRP participant since 2003. He learned about CRP through the FSA website and was very interested in the environmental benefits offered under the program. His main purpose for participating in CRP was his desire to protect the watershed, improve water quality, and conserve wildlife habitat on his farm. Mr. Molini is also a member of the board of the Puerto Rico Government Development Bank.

With over ten years of farming experience, Mr. Molini operates a 278-acre farm. He maintains a coffee nursery and cultivates different varieties of coffee, bananas, plantains, and oranges. He also manages ecological coffee equipment which reduces liquids generated in the coffee process.

Mr. Molini has enrolled 135 acres in 10-year CRP contracts. His objectives are to reduce soil erosion, control running water, and preserve natural resources. CRP conservation practices being implemented by Mr. Molini include Alley Cropping, Riparian Buffers, and Marginal Pastureland Wildlife Habitat Buffers.

By implementing practices under his CRP contract, Mr. Molini contributes to the community. Not only does his operation benefit from the program, but so do the significant populations of nine municipalities in Puerto Rico. Both run-off from his operation and erosion affecting a stream that flows through his property are reduced by vegetation planted with CRP cost-share assistance and maintained under CRP contract. The municipalities utilize drinking water from lakes located downstream from Mr. Molini's farm.

Mr. Molini feels very proud of his achievements with his farm and crop production. He is striving to produce the best coffee in the area. His future plans include continuing to apply agricultural and conservation practices and to cultivate more coffee, bananas, and oranges.

Mr. Molini with part of his property that is enrolled in CRP.

Mr. Molini's hacienda and CRP enrolled property.

Plaque marks the main entrance to Mr. Molini's hacienda.

Land in Mr. Molini's operation.

Steep slopes, erosive land, and high rainfall make conservation practices very important for Mr. Molini's operation.

CRP Alley Cropping practice. Coffee planted among shade trees conserves resources and improves coffee quality.

Another view of CRP Alley Cropping practice. Tall trees provide shade for coffee plants.

Water is abundant on Mr. Molini's property. His objectives include reducing soil erosion, controlling running water, and preserving natural resources.

Coffee seedlings from Mr. Molini's nursery.

CRP practices on Mr. Molini's property include Riparian Buffer and Marginal Pastureland Wildlife Habitat Buffer.

Water flowing through Mr. Molini's property affects several lakes that provide municipal drinking water.

Small reservoir on the property. Mr. Molini's main purpose for participating in CRP was his desire to protect the watershed, improve water quality, and conserve wildlife habitat on his farm.