The Cuban regime has enacted a new Agricultural and Forestry Land Law designed to widen access to underutilized state lands. This law enables these lands to be leased for up to 25 years, with the possibility of extensions, to private, state-owned, and mixed micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), as well as to foreign individuals and entities.
On July 29, 2026, the National Assembly of People's Power approved Law 185, "On Agricultural and Forestry Land," which outlines the general framework for property ownership, possession, inheritance, and use of land and agricultural assets in Cuba. This regulation applies to both individuals and legal entities.
A significant change introduced by this law is the expansion of access to these idle state lands. Now, private, state-owned, and mixed MSMEs, along with foreign individuals and entities, can apply for usufruct contracts, which can last up to 25 years, with the possibility of renewal.
For individual persons, the law sets a limit of 67.10 hectares—or five caballerías—with a potential increase to 268 hectares for specific activities such as livestock farming, forestry, sugarcane, or rice cultivation.
Published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba No. 75 Ordinary of 2026, pages three to 42, under code GOC-2026-499-O75, the law was enacted by Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the National Assembly, through Agreement X-174.
The law will take effect 90 calendar days following its publication, making its effective date around December 8, 2026.
Key Provisions of the New Land Law
Central to the law is the classification of land not used for agricultural production as "idle or inefficiently used," with the state monitoring adherence to principles governing land ownership, possession, and use.
The law also acknowledges rights related to improvements and housing constructed by leaseholders under contract compliance and allows land transactions among peasant owners through sales, swaps, donations, or partial transfers, with the state holding preferential rights in all cases.
Law 185 explicitly repeals Decree-Law 125 of 1991, concerning land possession, ownership, and inheritance, and Decree-Law 358 of 2018, regarding the leasing of idle state lands, consolidating over 25 scattered legal provisions into a single legal framework.
Together with Law 185, Gazette No. 75 published a set of 19 regulatory provisions that comprehensively update Cuba’s agricultural policy, including Decree 175 from the Council of Ministers—the regulation of the law itself—and Decree-Law 121 amending Agricultural Cooperatives.
This reform arises amid a severe food crisis, with Cuba importing 70% to 80% of its food. A 2025 survey indicated that 33.9% of households reported that at least one person had gone to bed hungry at least once in the previous year.
Understanding Cuba's Land Reform Law
What is the duration of the usufruct contracts under the new law?
Usufruct contracts under the new law can last up to 25 years, with the possibility of extensions.
Who can apply for access to idle state lands according to the law?
Access can be requested by private, state-owned, and mixed MSMEs, as well as foreign individuals and legal entities.
When will the new land law come into effect?
The law will come into force 90 days after its publication, around December 8, 2026.