A New Stage for the Cuban Agricultural Sector

The new Agricultural and Forestry Land Law opens an unprecedented stage for the Cuban agricultural sector by allowing, for the first time, that private national micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) can access state-owned lands under usufruct to develop agricultural and forestry activities.

Until the entry into force of this legislation, private MSMEs linked to the agricultural sector were mainly concentrated in the provision of services, marketing of inputs, or fishing activities, without the possibility of directly engaging in land cultivation.

With the new regulation, these companies will be able to request lands under usufruct to produce food, raise livestock, or develop forestry projects. The law maintains land ownership in the hands of the State or its legitimate owners, so MSMEs will only access the right of use and exploitation.

The measure expands private sector participation in agricultural production and seeks to contribute to the increase in food production, the use of idle lands, and the strengthening of the national economy.