As Cuban farmers continue their quest for a liter of milk and butchers sell bones at steak prices, the National Television News (NTV) enthusiastically announced that "Cuba aims to be a leader in sustainable livestock in Latin America."
This is the same country where cows are as valuable as gold, and killing one without permission can land you in prison for longer than taking a human life might.
The report mentioned that the SILVOPAT 2025 international meeting kicked off with "fieldwork in farms associated with the Institute of Animal Science," where research projects are supposedly being implemented "to contribute to food production and animal nutrition."
All these plans sound promising on paper, yet in reality, cows remain skinny, pastures are dry, and farmers lack feed and forage.
Challenges and Ambitions in Cuban Livestock
The event, which gathers producers, scientists, and students from fifteen countries, aims to discuss how to tackle climate change and ensure "food sovereignty."
An unidentified attendee claimed that "Cuba contributes with its many years of work results in livestock" and that the country offers "alternatives to move towards sustainable livestock."
Looking at official data—over 180,000 illegal activities detected in the sector and thousands of cattle gone missing—the Cuban model of "sustainability" seems more about sustaining scarcity.
The Reality Behind the Promises
Founded six decades ago by dictator Fidel Castro, the Institute of Animal Science (ICA) was presented as a continental benchmark. Its mission: to turn science "into a productive force."
However, that force has yet to translate into meat or milk on Cuban tables. In state-run stores, prices are an insult, and on the black market, beef is as rare as a lobster tail.
Meanwhile, young participants of SILVOPAT expressed pride in being part of the event, convinced that "little by little" they'll gain the experience needed to "meet the needs of animal production." Optimism abounds, though perhaps they should start by visiting a real dairy farm outside the scientific exhibition circuit.
The Ironic Pursuit of Sustainability
Over the course of four days, SILVOPAT 2025 promised to "create new networks of knowledge for food security, animal health, and well-being." It sounds noble, but in the Cuban context, where animal welfare often means surviving hunger, the discourse comes off as an unintentional joke.
Ultimately, Cuba dreams of leading sustainable livestock in Latin America. And who knows, perhaps it will succeed... when there are no cows left, no pastures around, and "creative resistance" has figured out how to convince Cubans of the nutritional benefits of moringa and marabú mince.
Understanding Cuba's Livestock Challenges
Why is Cuba aiming to lead in sustainable livestock?
Cuba is striving to lead in sustainable livestock as part of its efforts to address climate change and ensure food sovereignty, despite significant challenges in its agricultural sector.
What are the main obstacles to Cuba's livestock ambitions?
The main obstacles include a lack of resources such as feed and forage, illegal activities in the sector, and logistical challenges in translating scientific advancements into practical food production.
What does SILVOPAT 2025 aim to achieve?
SILVOPAT 2025 aims to foster discussions on addressing climate change, ensuring food security, and improving animal health through sustainable livestock practices.