Semideciduous: broadleaf evergreen and broadleaf deciduous trees.

Grass and others herbaceous plants

The National Program of Biological Control (approved by Cuba Government in 1998) required big changes in terms of policy, research, management, education and extension of the new techniques in the agricultural sector. This new model of production contains some important features:

1) Production and implementation of biological pesticides. These are mainly micoorganisms and beneficial insects (Bacillus thuringiensis, Verticillium lecani, Beauberia bassiana, Lixophaga diatraeae, Trichograma spp). While they are produced in biolaboratories (approximately 220) all over the country, their availability is not uniform throughout the country.

2) Production and implementation of biological antiparasitics. Many experiments have been carried out thus far using a variety of species: Nicotiana tabacum, Chrysanthemum cinese, Tagetes erecta Solanum globiferum, Tephrosia cinerea, Anona squamosa among others. The most interesting results thus far have been obtained working on Azadirachta indaca (Neem).

3) Production and implementation of biological fertilizers. The most common biofertilizer is worm castings and rhizobium bacteria. One of the new techniques that is being researched is attempting to introduce bacteria to the soil that have the capacity to make phosphorous available for the plants.

4) Technical changes in agronomic management and implementation of resources. There is a diversity of techniques that, on one hand, stem from the limitations of the resources (chemical inputs) and, on the other hand, are a result of proper cooperative research plans. These techniques include: a) more intensive crops rotation, b) redesigning crops plans due to chemical resource availability (for example, there is an increase of crops – sugarcane and potatoes – which are supported by State Programs through making particular chemical inputs available, while paradoxically there is also an increase of crops not as reliant on inputs), c) introducing new varieties (with a particular increase in tolerant and resistant varieties, where possible), d) using alternative energy, such as animal traction, e) using the minimum quantity biological substitution inputs, and f) new strategies to increase personal investment in the land.

5) Reorganizing research and extension programs for the diffusion of new technologies throughout the country. The mission of INISAV (National Institute for Research on Plant Health) is to research biological pesticides. It is coordinated by CNSV (National Institute for Plants Patology) and it is closely linked with 14 Provincial Departments, 14 Laboratories and 62 Stations. INS (National Institute for Soil) and INIFAT (National Institute for Tropical Agriculture) are research associates in this national biological program. At the field level the largest cooperatives play a critical role in organizing participatory meetings and practical training.  

It is striking how the conversion process is based primarily on the substitution of biological inputs for chemical inputs without wholly incorporating agroecological practices. Alternative techniques are widespread, however it is interesting to note that they are not applied to the most important or “strategic” (in order to feed the population) crops (e.g. potatoes, sugar cane). It is important to stress here that the transition to an agroecological system has to consider agroecological principles. The transition from the so-called level 1 (application of conventional techniques and inputs) to level 2 (substitution of conventional resources with bio resources) is not enough to guarantee a sustainable agriculture system. In fact, it is the passage from the level 2 to the level 3 (redesigning the entire management of the agroecosystems through agroecological principles) that is absolutely necessary. This transition would allow farms to be stable enough to challenge and compete with agroindustrial producers without requiring a return to chemical inputs. An area of further research would be to explore if it is possible to move from level 1 to level 3 directly, bypassing level 2.  

Use Renewable Resources

In this case study, I observed the substitution of some non-renewable resources with renewable resources. Some examples include: fossil fuels replaced with animal traction and manual labor.

Minimize Toxics

Substituting chemical inputs with biological ones reduces toxic residues in the environment and human exposure to them.

Conserve Resources

Because of the scarcity of fossil fuels and farm machinery, human labor is used more intensively. It was also observed that farmers made more efficient use of animal traction to replace machinery.

Manage Ecological Relationships

In this case the use of biological inputs creates conditions for improved ecological relationships.

Empower People

Cuban campesino farmers participate actively in the conversion process. 

 
Powerpoint presentation