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FAO recognizes Cuba’s potential for
sustainable agriculture
Theodor Friedrich, United Nations Food and
Agricultural Organization representative (FAO) in
Cuba, has highlighted the county’s potential for
sustainable agriculture. Friedrich stated in Havana
that Cuban scientists have the political will and
necessary knowledge, of what is known as the
paradigm of conservation agriculture, but that it is
also important to introduce modifications to ways in
which the land is worked, to avoid erosion.
Friedrich commented that, direct planting is more
beneficial for the land and diversification of crops
can increase national production of vegetables and
other crops, vital to Cuba, which imports
approximately 80% of its food. He also stated that
the world is facing a huge challenge in regards to
food security - despite there being sufficient
produce - given high prices, distribution issues and
other obstacles.
Friedrich emphasized that in 2050, nine billion
people in the world will need to be fed, signaling
the need for a definite change in the paradigms of
production and distribution, given that 30% of food
produced today goes to waste.
According to Sergio Rodríguez, director of the
National Research Institute of Tropical Foods (Inivti),
food production is a security issue for Cuba.
He also stated that global food production is
suffering an economic, ecological and social crisis,
along with the doubling of food prices. He also
commented that, currently and in the future as a
result of the actions of developed countries, there
is no “solidarity on the issue of food, but rather
business…Despite these problems, Cuba has the
potential to resolve the food issue through
political will, technical knowledge and scientific
development.”
Given the crisis of the food system internationally,
the goal to create an “environmentally friendly,
economically viable, socially just and culturally
appropriate” model of development is recognized
globally. Owing to this reality and these ideals,
multiple alternative agricultural development models
have been created. Cuba - excluded from important
global and regional trade agreements, denied
financing from global institutions such as the World
Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, and
lacking contracts with transnational companies,
which continue to monopolize food production and
commercialization - has an agricultural model based
on four key principles: feed everyone; protect the
environment; develop knowledge, science and
technology, and maintain national sovereignty.
(AIN & Granma International news
staff)
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