New York, 22 February 2022. The food and agriculture sectors constitute the bedrock for achieving food security and sovereignty, two goals that are among the priorities of the Cuban government and are directly linked to the implementation of the National Food Sovereignty and Nutrition Education Plan (SAN Plan) and the fulfillment of the goals agreed upon in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Despite the sizeable resources and efforts allocated by the Cuban State to this sector, the losses due to the blockade in this area, are evident, with an estimate of USD 369,589,550 between January and July 2021.
Many of these effects would have been avoided if Cuban companies were able to access the U.S. market. Just to mention an example, the impossibility for the Spanish-Cuban joint venture BRAVO S.A. to purchase meat directly in the U.S. market resulted in an additional expense of nearly USD 525,200 due to higher freight and transportation costs.
Direct access to the U.S. market would be very advantageous given its prices and proximity, and also taking into account that the industries of that country would be able to supply Cuban companies with many of the raw materials, materials and equipment necessary to modernize their production lines.
As additional information, the lack of fuel for agricultural and pre-industrial processes, as a result of the measures against companies, vessels and shipping companies that transport fuel to Cuba, brought about a loss of USD 5,181,480 during the period.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations
