Support Community-Based Hurricane Recovery Efforts
Our hearts go out to communities in the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Melissa.
In Cuba, the eastern provinces of Holguin, Granma, Santiago, and Guantanamo were hardest hit. Widespread flooding and high winds has caused damage throughout the region to homes, hospitals and agricultural lands. While the full extent of the impact is still being assessed, there has been no loss of life. This is in large measure due to Cuba’s highly effective and comprehensive disaster preparedness and response system. This system includes community education, early warning systems, evacuation procedures, and strong civil defense in coordination with local organizations and communities. Some 700,000 people were evacuated ahead of Hurricane Melissa.
CAI is working directly with community partners in the eastern provinces to get relief and recovery supplies to farming families in need. All donations will go directly to support these efforts.
Any amount helps, please consider donating.
DOCUMENTARY FROM CARIBBEAN AGROECOLOGY INSTITUTE
NUESTRA AGROECOLOGIA, NUESTRO FUTURO
(OUR AGROECOLOGY, OUR FUTURE)
For over three decades, Cuba has been reshaping its agrifood system—becoming a global reference for agroecology. Through the voices of farmers and specialists, this award-winning documentary explores the country’s progress, challenges, and the vital role of agroecology in achieving true food sovereignty amid economic crisis.
Official selection at seven international festivals and winner of the 2024 Wildseed Fund Impact Media Award.
🎬 Premieres October 8, 2025 – available for educational use on our YouTube channel.
Co-produced by Caribbean Agroecology Institute, Kandela Productions, and Belly of the Beast.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS AND VIDEOS
- Published in Rooted Magazine. Bringing Cuban Agroecology to the Next Level, addresses new policy reforms.
- Center for Democracy in the Americas interview with CAI Executive Director, Margarita Fernandez, on agriculture and food issues in Cuba.
- The Cuban Paradox, reflections from a recent trip to Cuba, a collaboration between A Growing Culture and Caribbean Agroecology Institute
- Published in Orion Magazine, This Cuban Town has a Sustainability Lesson to Share, by Mario Machado and Margarita Fernandez, tells the inspiring story of La Picadora; a Cuban town that was once a vast sugar-cane monoculture, and is now a reference for agroecology and environmental conservation. The piece seamlessly navigates through Cuba’s agricultural history, food systems’ effects of the U.S. embargo and the national frameworks to confront global challenges such as the climate crisis.