Agriculture has historically been of strategic importance to the Cuban economy due to itsmultiplier effect on other sectors of the economy, its ability to generate export income and increase gross national product, create employment, and contribute to food production. Cuba’s agricultural sector has been characterized by a high level of specialization in sugarcane production for export purposes. This heavy focus on sugarcane production had resulted in a severe lack of domestic food diversity and production, thus leading to a strong dependence on food imports. Together, these circumstances led to Cuba being extremely vulnerable to food security and economic crisis. Throughout most of the 20th century, Cuban sugarcane exports accounted for a substantial portion of the total value of goods produced and over 75% of the value of Cuban exports.
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In response to Castro’s economic reform policies, the U.S ended its Cuban sugar quota in 1961 which resulted in a dramatic shift of Cuban exports to the Soviet Union and other socialist countries. These new export markets imported on average 4 to 5 million tonnes of Cuban sugar annually between 1975 and
In response to Castro’s economic reform policies, the U.S ended its Cuban sugar quota in 1961 which resulted in a dramatic shift of Cuban exports to the Soviet Union and other socialist countries. These new export markets imported on average 4 to 5 million tonnes of Cuban sugar annually between 1975 and