The Cuban Council of Ministers has approved Decree 161, a regulation that revises Decree 143 "On the Commercialization of Agricultural and Forestry Products," with the aim of modernizing the regulatory framework governing contracts, pricing, and institutional roles in this sector.
This regulation was signed by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz on July 23 and became effective this Wednesday following its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic No. 75 Ordinary of 2026, pages 70 to 72.
The decree itself justifies the reform by stating that "the approved Economic and Social Transformations necessitate updating the regulatory framework that governs the legal regime for the commercialization of agricultural and forestry products."
Key Changes in Agricultural Oversight
Among the most significant changes is the redefinition of the principle of state regulation and control, which now explicitly covers production, contracting, quality and safety, access, and food consumption under exceptional conditions, as well as planting and land use.
Regarding institutional roles, the regulation mandates that provincial governors "define the destinations for contracting agricultural and forestry products approved by campaigns circulating among their municipalities."
Meanwhile, Municipal Administration Councils are tasked with balancing products, setting destination priorities, and monitoring compliance with state mandates by individuals and entities involved in commercialization.
Alterations in Pricing Structure
In terms of pricing, it is now determined by "agreement of the contractual parties," replacing the previous centralized pricing system.
The decree also introduces differentiated pricing for two categories of products: those obtained through certified organic methods and those from certified scenarios under the Participatory Guarantee System for Agroecology, applicable to both national and international commercialization.
The document specifies that the centralized prices in effect at the time the decree takes effect "will be updated in accordance with the transformation of subsidies to be executed by the Ministry of Finance and Prices."
Expanding Market Participation
Additionally, the requirement for several sector actors to have approved the production and commercialization of agricultural and forestry products in their corporate purpose is abolished, broadening the scope of individuals and entities eligible to operate in this market.
Decree 161 is part of a package of 176 economic and social transformations approved by the regime in June, which includes the decentralization of agricultural prices, the transition from product subsidies to targeted subsidies for individuals, and expanded access to land.
Comprehensive Legal Overhaul
Official Gazette No. 75 Ordinary of 2026 is a comprehensive regulatory edition for the agricultural sector: it contains 19 regulations, including Law 185 on land ownership and use, several State Council decrees on cooperatives and agricultural resources, and resolutions from the Ministry of Agriculture on meat marketing and phytosanitary exportation.
The Ministry of Justice is expected to publish, within 30 days, the updated and reconciled version of Decree 143, which serves as the base regulation modified by this new decree.
Understanding the New Agricultural Regulations in Cuba
What is the purpose of Decree 161 in Cuba?
Decree 161 aims to update the regulatory framework for the commercialization of agricultural and forestry products in Cuba, addressing contracts, pricing, and institutional roles.
How does Decree 161 affect pricing of agricultural products?
The decree replaces the centralized pricing system with one where prices are determined by agreement between contractual parties, and introduces differentiated pricing for certified organic and agroecological products.
What changes does Decree 161 make to institutional roles in agriculture?
The decree assigns new responsibilities to provincial governors and Municipal Administration Councils, including defining product destinations and ensuring compliance with state mandates.