XIII Cuban Congress of the National Association of Small Farmers concludes in Havana

Photos: Dunia Álvarez Palacios

By Isabel Díaz González, translated from the Spanish

The XIII Cuban Congress of the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP) concluded May 17 with a special recognition and message of commitment and gratitude to two great Cubans who are an indisputable part of the peasantry of the country: the leader of the Revolution and Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, and the Commander of the Rebel Army, José Ramón Machado Ventura.

The Congress was a "historic event not only for the quality of its debates, but because, through it, we will definitively contribute to the production of the food our heroic people demand and move away from the import-driven mentality that has held us back from productive development in recent years," asserted Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba's (PCC) Central Committee and President of the Republic.

Evoking the 66th anniversary of the first Agrarian Reform Law, and on the second and final day of the event, he said that in the current context, there is a considerable history to defend and an enormous legacy of Fidel's thought that must be creatively interpreted, "for which much remains to be done."

He noted that this Congress was not only a review of what has been accomplished, but a collective oath to continue cultivating hope amidst the storms, "because, as José Martí wrote, agriculture is the only constant source of wealth, and in every furrow, the Cuban peasantry also sows the Homeland."

Also present were Roberto Morales Ojeda, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of Organization of the PCC's Central Committee, who recalled that before the Revolution, peasants lived chained to exploitation and poverty, where land, which should have been a source of life, was an inaccessible commodity for most. "And then the Revolution arrived," he added, "like a hurricane of justice and hope for those who, in the Sierra Maestra mountains, were not passive spectators, but joined in the fighting, as many entered the ranks of the army and others provided shelter and food for the rebels."

At the Havana Convention Center, after a broad and fruitful debate, Díaz-Canel outlined future work commitments by the Party and the Government in their mission to support this sector nationwide. These include strengthening cooperation between producers and state institutions; more efficiently implementing policies that guarantee access to inputs and technology; prioritizing training and knowledge sharing; and continuing to promote the active participation of young people and women in the agricultural sector.

"As we close this Congress, we reaffirm the oath sworn in the Sierra Maestra: the land belongs to those who work it," he noted, characterizing ANAP not only as an association, but "as the raised fist of those who defend the Revolution."

In a conversation with the nearly 500 farmers participating in the 13th Congress of the National Association of Small Farmers, including delegates and guests, the First Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Republic highlighted the sector's commitment to advancing with the application of science and innovation to optimize yields and in the use of agroecology.

He concluded by stating: "The task ahead is immense, but we know that the Cuban peasantry has always demonstrated its ability to overcome any adversity; with unity, work, and discipline, we can advance along the path to food sovereignty and the sustainable development that our people deserve."

Contribute to food production as a primary task

The 13th Congress of the National Association of Small Farmers, with a sense of commitment and responsibility, focused its activities on May 17, a date of profound significance in the history of the country, especially for the men and women of the countryside, as Félix Duarte Ortega noted at the Havana Convention Center.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the recently re-elected ANAP leader spoke of the need in 2025 to evoke and honour the legacy of the humble peasant Niceto Pérez García, on the 79th anniversary of his death; the 66th anniversary of the promulgation of the Agrarian Reform Law; and the 64th anniversary of the organization's founding.

He emphasized the role of science and innovation in Cuban agriculture, and the need to reestablish agreements with scientific centers and universities on the island, with the aim of disseminating the best production practices.

"Knowledge and innovation must be strategic allies of our farmers to guarantee sustainable agriculture in harmony with the environment," said Duarte Ortega.

In this regard, he highlighted the experience gained over the 27 years of the "farmer-to-farmer" agroecological movement, which has led to significant advances in food production for the benefit of the people.

He also referred to the importance of strengthening the organization's structure and policies, with an emphasis on implementing strategies that contribute to the sector's sustainable development.

"It is essential," he said, "to consolidate peasant identity, strengthen our values, and ensure unity around our Revolution."

During his speech, he addressed the impact of increasing peasant surveillance actions as part of the ongoing fight against indiscipline and other illegalities that so severely impact the mission of this valuable sector. He also praised the contribution of younger generations, and particularly women, to agricultural work, as an indispensable link in our country's economic and social development.

Also attending the closing ceremony of the 13th ANAP Congress were members of the Political Bureau of the Party's Central Committee: Manuel Marrero Cruz, Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, and Teresa Amarelle Boué; Prime Minister, Secretary General of the Cuban Workers' Federation, and Secretary General of the Federation of Cuban Women, respectively.

This work was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC