"Cuba is involved in the most comprehensive conversion from chemical to organic agriculture that any nation has yet attempted." — Peter Rosset, Institute for Food and Development Policy 1993.
Due to the severe shortage of hard currency for the importation of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, Cuba was forced, in the early 1990's to begin to practice organic agriculture on a nationwide scale, with some very exciting results. There are currently over 10,000 organic gardens across the country involving tens of thousands of Cuban citizens. In the late 1990's, the Cuban Association for Organic Agriculture was granted the International Right Livelihood Award (the Alternative Nobel Prize) for its efforts.
Organic agriculture continues to be supported and expanded at government and grassroots levels. Havana now grows over half its fresh food organically, and locally. According to some agriculturists, Cuba could be self sufficient in the production of many of its basic foods within the next decade.
All Cuban young people are introduced to agriculture and food production as part of their education, spending at least one summer of their high school years, farming in the countryside.
University graduates in agronomy contribute their knowledge of research, technology and administration in both rural and urban agricultural settings. Reversing a disturbing international trend, many educated young Cuban agriculturists return to the countryside because they are now offered a stimulating and productive work environment.
Please contact coordinator Pam Montanaro by email or call 510-318-4910 for more information on this tour.
Program Highlights may include:
- City Tour of Havana and Old Havana with Cuban Architect/Urban Planner
- Alamar, largest urban farm in Havana
- Farmer's markets
- Foundation for Nature and Humanity, oldest environmental organization in Cuba and center of Cuban permaculture
- Permaculture sites in Havana and surrounding provinces
- INIFAT, Institute of Tropical Agriculture
- Agrarian University, Mayabeque province
- Private farms and farm cooperatives in Pinar del Rio
- Cubasolar, oldest NGO promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Murealando, community arts and ecology project
- Afro Cuban history and community projects in Regla and Guanabacoa
- Casa Africa museum and dance performance
1. Nature's Friends Sample Program
- RT flight Miami/Havana/Miami
- Cuban visa and required Cuban health insurance
- Double room accommodations
- Two meals per day
- Conference fee
- Site visits
- Translation
- Transportation (with group)
Please check out our Resources page for articles, blogs and videos on Sustainable Agriculture in Cuba and other relevant environmental topics.
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