April 15, 2021

Cuba lifts ban on slaughter of cattle, as well as beef and dairy sales

Cuba announced as part of agricultural reforms that it will lift a ban on cattle slaughter, as well as permit the sale of beef and dairy in the country, Reuters reported.

Granma, the Communist Party daily, said farmers will be allowed to do as they wish with their livestock after meeting Cuban state quotas as long as herds are not reduced.

Cuba banned cattle slaughter as well as beef and dairy sales in 1963 after 20% of the country's herd were killed by Hurricane Flora.

Economists in Cuba say an agricultural sector deregulation could boost production.

Further agricultural measures are expected to be announced by the government in a state television roundtable discussion as the country faces a massive economic crisis.

In November 2020, the government permitted farmers, private traders, and food processors to engage in direct wholesale and retail trade as long as they fulfilled government contracts.

80% of arable land in the country is owned by the government, which leases the land to farmers and cooperatives. Until recently, the government also sold them inputs for up to 90% of their production plus a set margin.

- Reuters