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Cuban livestock is facing a severe crisis, with an accumulated loss of over 900 thousand heads of since 2019, according to official data presented by the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) during the committee meetings prior to the Fifth Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of People's Power.
During the presentation by the Director General of Livestock, Arián Gutiérrez Velázquez, it was reported that by the end of 2024, the livestock population in the country was only three million animals, representing a decrease of nearly 400,000 head compared to the previous year, according to the newspaper Granma.
The downward trend is not only due to natural factors such as mortality but also to serious structural issues, such as the theft and illegal slaughter, which alone affected more than 27,000 animals, including cattle and horses, in the past year.
Fines, confiscations, and institutional negligence
During the meeting, which was attended by high officials such as the Vice President of the Republic, Salvador Valdés Mesa, and the Minister of Agriculture, Ydael Pérez Brito, it was acknowledged that the situation is also due to failures and negligence on the part of the officials and state entities.
A total of 476 animal seizures were reported across all provinces in the country, as well as 7,191 fines, amounting to more than 205 million Cuban pesos.
Currently, 84.5% of the cattle population is in the hands of individual producers, totaling more than 124,000, while only 8.2% belongs to state-owned enterprises. This structure reflects a predominant role of the private sector, albeit without sufficient access to inputs, technology, or financing.
Urgent measures: from renewable energy to charcoal
In light of this situation, the Ministry of Agriculture proposes a series of actions to reverse the sustained decline in livestock, including: prioritizing holders with more than 10 cows, expanding land allocation to producers with good results, developing the input market, and promoting the export of charcoal as an economic incentive.
Similarly, they discussed solving the water supply issue through renewable energy sources, addressing the inefficient use of idle land infested with marabú, and accelerating the digitalization of livestock records.
The need to organize value and supply chains was also discussed, as well as promoting productive linkages with the national and local industry to increase the production of milk and meat.
An unsustainable model
In his speech, Minister Ydael Pérez Brito was unequivocal: "The livestock industry must save itself." The official emphasized that it is essential to enhance the sector's self-sufficiency and to reward the most efficient farmers with larger plots of land.
The magnitude of the crisis occurs in a context of widespread food scarcity in Cuba, where the national production of meat and milk has drastically decreased, directly affecting access to essential proteins for the population.
Theft of livestock
On July 13, it was reported that cattle thieves caused the death of several cattle while trying to flee on a train with the stolen animals, in an unusual incident that took place in the municipality of Majibacoa, Las Tunas province.
The incident also resulted in a train accident after the criminals used the railway tracks as an escape route.
At the end of June, the regime held an "exemplary" trial in Sancti Spíritus, in which two citizens were sentenced to six and four years in prison for illegal livestock slaughter.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Livestock Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of livestock farming in Cuba?
Cattle farming in Cuba is facing a severe crisis with an accumulated loss of over 900 thousand head of cattle since 2019. The livestock population has decreased to three million animals by the end of 2024. This situation is due to structural problems, thefts, illegal slaughter, and failures in state control.
What are the main causes of the livestock crisis in Cuba?
The livestock crisis in Cuba is due to several factors: serious structural issues, theft and illegal slaughter of livestock, failures and negligence on the part of state entities, a lack of supplies and technology, and the deterioration of productive infrastructure. Additionally, deficiencies in livestock management and a lack of economic incentives for producers are also mentioned.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the livestock crisis?
The Cuban government proposes actions such as prioritizing tenants with more than 10 cows, expanding land allocation to successful producers, developing the supply market, and promoting the export of charcoal. There is an aim to address the water supply issue through renewable energy sources and to organize value chains to increase the production of milk and meat.
How does the livestock crisis affect food security in Cuba?
The livestock crisis in Cuba directly impacts food security, reducing the availability of meat and milk, which affects access to essential proteins for the population. National production has drastically declined, increasing dependence on imports and exacerbating food shortages in the country.
What role do theft and illegal slaughter play in the Cuban livestock crisis?
The theft and illegal slaughter of livestock is a significant factor in the livestock crisis in Cuba. In the past year, over 27,000 animals were affected due to these practices, which have become almost unpunished activities in several provinces. This situation not only diminishes the livestock population but also fuels the black market for meat in the country.
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