To boost food production and advance toward food sovereignty, the Official Gazette of the Republic has published a set of 19 legal regulations. Updating the legal framework for Cuban agriculture. With Law 185 on Agricultural and Forestry Land serving as the central pillar of these transformations.
According to Telce González Morera, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, the regulations maintain state ownership of the land. But expand the usufruct system. “Access is authorized for natural persons and legal entities—whether state-owned, private, or mixed. Allowing all economic actors to participate in this process.”
Furthermore, the requirement for direct manual labor is eliminated. Management and administration are recognized as forms of working the land. The amount of land granted under usufruct is increased, with no set limit. Based on the project proposal submitted by the applicant and what they are able to demonstrate within it.
“In addition, usufructuaries are recognized as having ownership rights over the improvements and housing built on the plots.”
In this regard, González Morera noted that land is granted under usufruct for food production to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), regardless of their stated corporate purpose.
This allocation is made without limits and is based on the project presented. “With requests made according to the type of production to be developed. Land may also be requested specifically for ecotourism or agrotourism activities,” González Morera explained.
Expanded powers for agricultural cooperatives
Decree-Law 121/2026 establishes that Agricultural Production Cooperatives (CPAs) may grant land under usufruct. Subject to the agreement of their assemblies.
These cooperatives will assume expanded powers regarding foreign trade, direct importation, bank financing, and operational autonomy. Likewise, the Deputy Minister added that the new amendment authorizes the opening of accounts in both domestic and foreign currencies. As well as the unlimited pursuit of secondary activities, provided they are lawful.
Key new powers include:
-Importing inputs, technologies, and fuels approved by the assembly.
-The right to directly export agricultural and forestry products.
-Setting and agreeing upon prices through mutual agreement between parties.
-Creating second-tier cooperatives.
-Partnering with state and non-state entities.
-Participating as foreign investment entities (joint ventures or international economic associations).
-Credit and Service Cooperatives (CCS) may form cooperative property using assets other than those contributed by their members.
-Comprehensive reform of agricultural marketing.
Another published decree-law, 161/2026, establishes that producers may market goods without mandatory intermediaries. Also that cooperatives and MSMEs may engage directly in foreign trade and set prices based on supply and demand.
Major changes include incentives for marketing inputs in foreign currency, the creation of input markets. A greater dynamism in the circulation of agricultural products, the expansion of the Agricultural Development Fund. And the creation of an Agricultural Bank to facilitate sector financing.
More flexible livestock slaughter and meat sales
Resolution 162/2026 updates procedures for slaughtering animals for consumption and sale. It stipulates that individuals meeting the requirements to fatten male animals in the calf and yearling categories may do so without owning land. Though they must first register the animal in the relevant Livestock Registry and apply for a sanitary license, González Morera clarified.
“There is greater flexibility for agricultural producers in marketing meat. Provided they respect the requirement that municipal supply balances prioritize social consumption needs.” “Sanitary procedures are being streamlined without compromising food safety. New marketing channels for meat products are opening up. With regulations being aligned with animal health and veterinary medicine standards,” he said.
New genetics and seed regulations
Decree-Law 123/2026 on Animal Genetic Resources allows for the management of herds and genetic material. All stakeholders gain access to financing and tax benefits. Pedigree registration is simplified, and bureaucratic red tape is reduced.
Modernization of mechanization and irrigation
Decree-Law 125/2026 on Mechanization, Irrigation, Drainage, and Water Supply establishes that non-state management entities may provide machinery, irrigation, and technical assistance services to both state and non-state entities.
Amendments expand the definition of agricultural equipment to include walk-behind tractors, power tillers, and mini-tractors of up to 20 horsepower. Additionally, natural and legal persons may import non-certified machinery—subject to a technical assessment by the Engineering Research Institute—and economic actors are authorized to manufacture equipment, parts, components, and accessories for import substitution.
Meanwhile, Decree-Law 127/2026 on Veterinary Medicine authorizes self-employed workers and non-state entities to provide veterinary assistance services and permits the establishment of private laboratories for official testing and control.
In this regard, veterinary services are extended to all animal species, and the legislation recognizes the right of non-state natural and legal persons to import and export sector-related goods.
Furthermore, according to González Morera, Resolutions 163 and 164—regarding phytosanitary export and import, respectively—aim to simplify procedures for non-state foreign trade and authorize the entry of regulated items into the country for non-commercial purposes.
With information from Cubadebate
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