The Agricultural Crisis in Cuba: Farmers Struggle Amid Sanctions and Fuel Shortages

In Artemisa, Cuba, farmers like Abraham Rodríguez face dire economic conditions exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and fuel shortages. Rodríguez, who earns approximately 1,200 pesos (£1.80) daily, struggles to afford basic necessities, often going without meals. The situation has deteriorated significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading many farmers to consider illegal activities or migration as means of survival. Yomar Matos, another farmer, recounts how he turned to agriculture after losing his construction job, highlighting the desperation faced by many in the region.

The Guardian

Artemisa, once known as "Havana's granary," produces about 40% of the capital's fresh produce. However, farmers report that rising costs and fuel shortages have made agriculture increasingly unsustainable. Maykel Romero Álvarez, a farmer in the area, notes that the U.S. intervention in Venezuela has worsened Cuba's energy crisis, leaving farmers unable to sell their crops due to a lack of fuel.

The Guardian

Cuban agriculture has undergone significant changes since the 1959 revolution, transitioning from large-scale monoculture, particularly sugar, to a more diversified approach. In 2008, then-President Raúl Castro relaxed regulations to attract new farmers to previously idle state-owned land. However, these small producers receive minimal investment, as the government prioritizes state farms and cooperatives. Despite the challenges, farmers continue to work under the revolutionary rhetoric of "feeding the nation," but many express urgent need for solutions.

The Guardian

The ongoing crisis has led some farmers to adapt by engaging in alternative trades, such as charcoal production. Luis Torres García, a charcoal producer, explains how he has relied on this trade due to increased demand from repeated blackouts. He sells charcoal to the state and privately, although prices have risen significantly. Another farmer, Ángel Reyes, turned to charcoal after fuel shortages made his previous job as a taxi driver untenable. Both men emphasize the necessity of providing for their families amid the economic turmoil.

The Guardian

Many farmers and local residents criticize the U.S. "maximum pressure" campaign, arguing that it exacerbates their hardships. Torres García and his wife, Milagros Moreno, express their frustration with the sanctions, stating that they feel suffocated and provoked by external pressures. This sentiment is echoed by other farmers who believe that U.S. policies are detrimental to their livelihoods.

The Guardian

• “I make 1,200 pesos (£1.80) a day, so I have to work two days to buy a bottle of oil.” — Abraham Rodríguez, Farmer

The Guardian

• “Now we don’t have a drop of fuel, so we can’t sell our produce.” — Maykel Romero Álvarez, Farmer

The Guardian

• “Why should I take advantage?” — Luis Torres García, Charcoal Producer

The Guardian

• “It’s simple: I need to feed my children,” — Ángel Reyes, Charcoal Seller

The Guardian

The agricultural crisis in Cuba reflects a complex interplay of historical policies, economic challenges, and external pressures. Farmers in Artemisa are caught in a cycle of hardship, struggling to sustain their livelihoods while facing increasing obstacles. The need for urgent solutions is evident as they navigate a landscape marked by scarcity and uncertainty.

The Guardian