The Cuban ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel once again held the United States embargo responsible for the food crisis that Cuba is experiencing, this time during his speech at the FAO Global Food Forum, held in Rome. However, the posting of his speech on Facebook sparked numerous criticisms from Cubans who pointed to internal restrictions and the government's management as causes of the scarcity.
"The real blockade is right here, and that is the first thing they must overcome," wrote one of the internet users in a response that echoed the rejection expressed in numerous comments.
Díaz-Canel delivered a video message at the international forum, which takes place from October 8 to 16 under the theme "Innovate today to nurture tomorrow."
During his speech, he stated that Cuba is facing the effects of more than six decades of the U.S. embargo, which he attributed to difficulties in accessing markets, financing, fuels, and other essential resources.
He also denounced what he called a "criminal energy blockade" and expressed gratitude to the FAO for mobilizing nearly 100 million dollars in recent years to support agro-food development projects in Cuba. He also announced the incorporation of Cuba into the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and mentioned projects related to coffee and honey production.
But the leader's explanations found a very different response among Facebook users.
"The blockade is not what prevents fishermen from fishing, it is not what controls the land of the farmers, it is not what forbids people, including children, from drinking milk or eating beef," questioned an internet user.
Another user questioned whether U.S. sanctions alone account for the shortages: "Hey Miguel, but if there’s a blockade, how have they managed to keep the MLC stores and supermarkets well stocked?"
Critics also pointed to the limitations faced by private producers, the regulations regarding fishing and livestock, the decline of the sugar industry, and the state's investment priorities.
The Cuban food crisis, meanwhile, is reflected in households.
A survey by Food Monitor Program, published in May 2026 and based on 2,513 responses collected during 2025, revealed that 33.9% of the surveyed households had at least one member who went to bed hungry in the previous 30 days.
The study also found that 94.9% of respondents had lost the ability to purchase food in the past year, while 80.4% stated that power outages affected their ability to cook.
The Minister of Food Industry himself, Alberto López Díaz, acknowledged in June serious shortcomings in the distribution of basic basket products, including oil, chicken, and yogurt, along with difficulties in supplying milk to over 100,000 children.
The food trade between the United States and Cuba continues despite the embargo and U.S. restrictions. In August 2026, U.S. chicken exports to the island reached 21,809 metric tons, an 18% increase compared to the same month of the previous year.
Between January and July, total exports from the United States to Cuba amounted to 674 million dollars, of which 118 million were attributed to frozen chicken, according to U.S. trade statistics collected by the agency EFE.
In this context, other Cubans questioned why the authorities continue to use the embargo as an explanation for the country's economic problems.
"They have been saying the same thing for 70 years," commented a user.
Another articulated his discontent with a phrase directed at the Cuban leader: "The blockade bears your name and the surname Castro."
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