At the end of 2012, Félix Ancizar, a delegate from ANAP (National Association of Small Farmers in Cuba), was in the city of Guayaquil.
The following interview seeks to learn about the Caribbean country's experience with GMOs and agroecology that can help Ecuador link Buen Vivir (Sumak Kawsay) with agricultural practice. The idea is to create an agricultural model that is healthier for consumers, fairer for farmers and with less environmental impact.
Where does the Cuban agroecological process come from?
At the beginning it was out of necessity. In the 1980s, Cuba experienced, along with the industrialized world, the fury of the green revolution, but when the Soviet Union disappeared, the socialist bloc began to worry about its own problems, they stopped giving us credit, and entering the Western world was difficult because of the blockade.
The result was that we ran out of agrochemicals. Cuba was literally isolated and starving. On the other hand, the government had allowed marginal research into biological pest control systems.
At that time, Fidel Castro opted for agroecology and Cuba began to implement his research into agricultural management using natural means. Today, it is unofficially estimated that 90% of agricultural production in Cuba is agroecological.
So agrochemicals do not exist in Cuba?
It is not necessary to be so radical. Agroecology always tries to strengthen the organism so that it can fight pests without the need for chemicals. But occasionally they may be necessary. For example, when an ancient army is invaded by an excessive number of soldiers from an enemy army, it may be necessary to resort to bombings or more radical methods of defense.
Or in medicine, if there is a very strong infection, we can occasionally resort to antibiotics. Likewise, when a pest is too aggressive, it may be necessary to use agrochemicals in the first stage, and in the second stage, when the threat has weakened, to use biological methods.
But how frequently are agrochemicals used in Cuba?
Very little; as I said, it is for exceptional cases. In Cuba there is a consensus regarding the enormous advantages of agroecology and natural pest management. We have already experienced the green revolution and out of necessity we were forced to try agricultural management without chemicals and we realized that in the end it was the best thing that could have happened to us.
And what about GMOs?
GMOs are an issue that we handle very carefully in Cuba. We have witnessed the long-term problems of GMOs and we handle any approval for general use with extreme caution. For example, we are now investigating varieties of BT corn that have the advantage of not requiring pesticides, but which have been found to cause allergies. In Cuba we are very clear about the risks of GMOs and we will not approve them unless we are absolutely sure that they are harmless.
What is your assessment of what is happening in Ecuador right now?
The tone of the debate between the government and popular organizations is unnecessarily high in Ecuador. Deep down, everyone wants to create well-being without losing cultural and environmental wealth. If the government investigates the issue seriously and does not prioritize the interests of big agribusiness, the only possible conclusion is that agroecology is more productive than conventional agriculture. Apart from being more environmentally friendly, it is healthier for consumers and much more productive for farmers.
Sources: The Producer/The Telegraph
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