Former agronomist and ex-agricultural official Roberto Caballero, who is also a member of the National Executive Committee of Agricultural and Forestry Technicians, has spoken out following widespread backlash over his controversial remarks on Cuban state television, where he appeared to suggest reducing rice and potato consumption.
In a detailed Facebook post, Caballero clarified that his words had been "misinterpreted," denying any suggestion of "taking away rice and potatoes from the people." He emphasized that his goal was to promote a more balanced and sustainable diet.
"I chose to stay out of the debate for a while because, unlike those who respond with insults, I respect everyone's opinions," he wrote. "However, due to the recurring nature of this mistake, I feel it's necessary to clarify: I NEVER said we should take rice and potatoes away from the people. I merely pointed out that a healthy, balanced diet shouldn't be overly reliant on one or two products," he stressed.
Caballero made it clear that he has not been associated with the Ministry of Agriculture or any state entity "for over 20 years," and his views do not reflect the official stance of the Cuban government. "I exercised my sacred right to express my opinion," he stated, expressing his willingness to engage in "ethical and respectful" discourse.
He also mentioned that he was "dismissed in the early 2000s for speaking his mind" and reiterated that his sole intention is to help Cuba achieve "what Martí envisioned: that the nation can meet its consumption needs through its production."
Background to the Controversy
The agronomist's initial comments were made during the government-affiliated program "Cuadrando la Caja," aired on national television. During the broadcast, Caballero remarked that one of the primary barriers to achieving so-called "food sovereignty" were the "eating habits of the population."
"We've become accustomed to consuming foods that aren't native to our country," he said, citing potatoes and rice as examples of crops that, in his view, incur high production costs and rely on imported inputs. "We are not Asians. Eating rice is not a Cuban habit," he added jokingly.
His statements sparked outrage on social media, with many Cubans and activists arguing that his rhetoric seemed to blame the populace for the nation's food crisis instead of acknowledging the systemic failures of the state-run agricultural model.
In response to the backlash, Caballero reiterated his message advocating for diversifying agricultural production with crops better suited to the Cuban climate and less reliant on imported resources. "If we stop fixating on massive rice production and ensure other alternatives, we could have rice and other options as well," he explained.
Nonetheless, his clarification comes amid growing public discontent over shortages and inflation, with rice prices soaring above 400 pesos per pound in informal markets and a dwindling state supply. For many Cubans, the issue isn't about dietary preferences; it's about the sheer lack of food available.
Understanding the Food Crisis in Cuba
What did Roberto Caballero originally say about rice and potatoes?
Roberto Caballero suggested on a national TV program that reducing reliance on rice and potatoes could help achieve food sovereignty, as these foods are not native to Cuba and require costly imported inputs.
Why was there backlash against Caballero's comments?
His comments were perceived as blaming the Cuban population for the food crisis rather than addressing the failures of the state-run agricultural system, leading to widespread criticism on social media.
What is Caballero's stance on Cuban agricultural production?
Caballero advocates for diversifying agricultural production with crops that are better adapted to the Cuban climate and less dependent on imports, to ensure a more sustainable food supply.