Over the past 10 years, Cuba has converted almost entirely to organic farming, becoming a model of sustainable agriculture. Last year alone, more than 3.2 million tons of food were produced in its urban organic gardens -- called organoponicos -- and farms. But as steps are taken to expand trade in agricultural products between the U.S. and Cuba, the 'strength of Cuba's food security' will be challenged, notes Eliza Barclay for the Environmental News Network. U.S. food exporters such as Archer Daniels Midland, which in 2001 signed the first trade deal with the Cuban government since the U.S. trade embargo was established more than 40 years ago, are anxious to enter the Cuban market, Barclay notes. And the Cuban government is hoping that such deals will eventually spell the end of the embargo. How that will affect Cuba's organic revolution is anybody's guess.
-- Erica Wetter

Go there>>Cuba's Security in Fresh Produce

Related Links:

• Cuba Organic Support Group
• Food First

Related Links from the Utne Archive:

• The New Revolution -- Urban Agriculture in Cuba
• Havana's Homegrown Revolution($$)