In the 1990s Cuba was plunged into an era of severe food and fuel shortages caused by the collapse of the Soviet Bloc. Almost thirty years later, Cuba stands strong as a global leader in sustainable food and farming systems.
 
The world has much to learn from Cuba’s journey toward agroecology and food sovereignty. CUSAN was formed in 2015, as a process of normalization of relations between Cuba and the US was beginning. It was a time when new possibilities for trade and engagement were bringing both opportunities for expanding and challenges to sustaining the agroecological advances made on the island.
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CUSAN was initiated as a counterpoint to the interests of agribusiness and the global corporate food regime and in solidarity with the agroecology movement in Cuba. We are a strong constituency of NGOs, academics, and farmers who support Cuba’s agroecology movement through cross-cultural engagement. We work to connect people, institutions and movements in Cuba and the U.S. who are dedicated to building more ecologically resilient, socially just and economically fair farming and food systems through agroecology. We do this by raising awareness about Cuba’s agroecology advances and challenges, facilitating partnerships and building capacity amongst stakeholders through participation in exchanges, courses, conferences, workshops and collaborative research. We also work to amplify Cuban voices internationally and to channel resources and opportunities to our counterparts on the island.