The Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) has shared a brief 23-second video on social media featuring a Cuban farmer passionately declaring his commitment to continue producing food, stating he won't halt "even if Americans stand in my way." This clip serves as yet another piece of propaganda from the regime, aiming to blame the island's food crisis on the U.S. embargo.
In the footage, the farmer—middle-aged, clad in a blue shirt and gold chain, standing before a field of green crops—asserts, "Despite the challenges and the blockade imposed by the U.S. empire, we do not stop because we must continue producing food for the revolution."
The video was accompanied by a message from the PCC: "The spirit and determination of the Cuban people remain unyielding. Despite hardships and the tightening of the blockade, Cuban fields are seeking alternatives to overcome shortages and difficulties to produce food. In every corner and through various means," followed by the hashtag #LaPatriaSeDefiende.
Contradictions in Cuban Agriculture
The stark reality of Cuban agriculture paints a different picture from this narrative. According to government figures, the production of root vegetables plummeted by 44%, eggs by 43%, and milk by 37.6%, all in January 2025 alone. From 2018 to 2023, pork production dropped by a staggering 95% and rice by 87%, as reported by the World Food Program. The FAO notes that Cuba relies on external sources for 70% to 80% of its food supply.
Challenges Beyond Propaganda
Farmers are not only grappling with scarce resources but also the chronic issue of unpaid debts by the state. Producers in Granma reported over 1,000 tons of unpaid tomatoes, according to the state-run newspaper Girón. Earlier this month, a farmer faced a hefty fine of 60,000 pesos—four times the average salary—for "age discrepancy in livestock."
Fuel Shortages and Agricultural Impact
The fuel shortage further exacerbates the dire situation. René Orellana, regional representative of the FAO for Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighted that the diesel scarcity is immobilizing agricultural machinery and jeopardizing crop collection: "The population will not be able to access these foods."
In response to the crisis, the regime has adopted two parallel strategies: minor reforms, such as the announcement to end the Acopio monopoly in April, and a robust social media propaganda campaign blaming the embargo. This narrative is increasingly met with skepticism among Cubans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Food Crisis
What are the main factors contributing to Cuba's food crisis?
Cuba's food crisis is primarily driven by declining agricultural production, a lack of resources, unpaid debts by the state, and external dependencies for food supply.
How does the U.S. embargo impact Cuban agriculture?
While the U.S. embargo is often cited by the regime as a cause for agricultural issues, the main challenges are internal, including inefficiencies and resource shortages.