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.

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