Seizing the "Organic" Moment: Cuba's Agricultural Crossroads and Certified Organic Export Potential

Authors

Wesley J. Hevia
Michael T. Olexa, University of Florida
Thomas T. Ankersen, University of Florida Levin College of LawFollow
William A. Messina Jr., University of Florida

Abstract

Cuba has been referred to as "the world's first national experiment in sustainable agriculture." Given the critical shortages in chemical inputs to Cuba's agricultural sector following the loss of Soviet economic support and subsidization, this may well be a fitting description. Cuba's use of the term "organic" to describe some of its agricultural production can be misleading. Not all of Cuba's "organic" products would satisfy the organic certification requirements for most developed countries. That being said, Cuba is shipping certified organic fresh citrus and citrus juices into EU markets. With proper investments and implementation of the appropriate procedures and protocols, Cuba could well establish itself as a global supplier of organic products.

Recommended Citation

Hevia, Wesley J.; Olexa, Michael T.; Ankersen, Thomas T.; and Messina, William A. Jr. (2026) "Seizing the "Organic" Moment: Cuba's Agricultural Crossroads and Certified Organic Export Potential," Florida Journal of International Law: Vol. 29: Iss. 4, Article 19.
Available at: https://scholarship.law.ufl.edu/fjil/vol29/iss4/19