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The main leaders of the Communist Party of Cuba acknowledged on the first day of the IX Plenary of their Central Committee the failure of the "Food Sovereignty" program.
"The results we achieved today do not meet the needs of the population," said Miguel Díaz-Canel. His analysis overlooked the central role that the socialist model plays in this crisis.
Despite decades of centralized agricultural strategies and laws such as the Food Sovereignty and Food and Nutritional Security (SAN) law, production deficiencies persist in Cuba, revealing the structural shortcomings of the system.
Julio Heriberto Gómez Casanova, the first secretary of Ciego de Ávila, acknowledged that the agricultural potential is not being utilized. In contrast, Alexander Miranda, a leader at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, emphasized that the issue lies in the need to train those involved in the sector.
These observations fall short of addressing the underlying issues, which highlight decades of state control, a lack of economic incentives for producers, and a bureaucratic system that stifles any attempt at innovation or efficiency in Cuban agriculture.
Díaz-Canel affirmed that the spring planting of 2024 was the best in the last decade and expressed pride in achieving it "by our own efforts, without fuel, and primarily through agroecology."
However, this statement only reinforces the precariousness of the model it advocates, while attempting to celebrate minimal progress in a context of ongoing deficiencies.
Other topics discussed at the meeting included corruption and poor administrative management. High-ranking officials of the PCC called for stricter controls on food producers and marketers, as they assert that this is where the issues causing food shortages in Cuba are located.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis in Cuba
Why did the food sovereignty project in Cuba fail?
The failure of the food sovereignty project in Cuba is attributed to the structural shortcomings of the socialist model, which includes decades of centralized agricultural strategies, a lack of economic incentives for producers, and a bureaucratic system that hinders innovation and efficiency. Despite the laws and efforts in the sector, the outcomes have not met the needs of the population.
How does the "import mentality" affect food production in Cuba?
The "import mentality" has limited agricultural development in Cuba by promoting reliance on imports rather than investing in local production. Companies that were once leaders in agriculture, such as "La Cuba," ceased domestic production because it became more cost-effective to import. This mentality has contributed to the current food crisis by discouraging national production.
What are the main criticisms of the Cuban government's management in the agricultural sector?
The main criticisms focus on the lack of transparency, unpaid debts to farmers, and an inefficient bureaucratic system. The government owes millions to producers, exacerbating the situation in the sector. Furthermore, the absence of published agricultural statistics and centralized control have hindered the development of effective solutions to the country's agricultural problems.
What role do municipalities play in food production in Cuba?
The Cuban government has shifted the responsibility for food production to municipal authorities, even though the system remains centralized. Municipalities are expected to take on more responsibilities and develop robust local production systems, although this decentralization has been more nominal than effective thus far.
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