Alamar Cooperative, Cuba
Big US corporate agri-business can't wait to get their hands on Cuba. They want to open up the market for its industrialized
health killing and climate killing, unregulated, over processed, antibiotic and hormone laced, pesticide soaked crap.
Since the early 1990's Cuba has been a model for sustainable agriculture. Although the circumstances which lead to Cuba's transition to a local, sustainable agriculture model began through no choice of their own, they have taken the issue and through perseverance and necessity have become an international beacon to those wanting to learn how to transition to a sustainable agriculture future. Studies by the UN have shown that a local sustainable food production model is the path to helping solve our climate issues and prepare us for the larger mass of humanity our planet will have to house by 2050.
See this excellent vid on how Cuba was able to transition to a world renowned agricultural model:
But changes are in store for Cuba's agriculture and not for the better. Immediately upon release of the news of the Obama Administration loosening of restrictions with Cuba, Tom Vilsack, released this statement:
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Historic New Course for U.S.-Cuba Relations
WASHINGTON, December 17, 2014 - "Throughout history, agriculture has served as a bridge to foster cooperation, understanding and the exchange of ideas among people. mI have no doubt that agriculture will continue to play that powerful role as we expand our relationship with the Cuban people in the coming years.
"Today's announcement expands opportunity for U.S. farmers and ranchers to do business in Cuba. It removes technical barriers between U.S. and Cuban companies and creates a more efficient, less burdensome opportunity for Cuba to buy U.S. agricultural products. It also makes those products far more price competitive, which will expand choices for Cuban shoppers at the grocery store and create a new customer base for America's farmers and ranchers."
Although I'm pleased about the steps to our new relationship with Cuba, I hope that Cuba will take the time to protect itself from the worst examples of our uber capitalism.