Cuba updates soil rules to boost farming and protect land
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The Cuban Cabinet released an updated version of Decree 52, a regulation governing soil management and fertilizer use across the country.
The new decree builds on earlier legislation from 2021 and 2026, responding to a directive to review and align regulations. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz signed the document, which aims to improve agricultural production and protect biodiversity by addressing soil degradation.
The updated Decree 52 establishes a National Soil and Fertilizer System, managed by a director within the Ministry of Agriculture, to coordinate planning and control. It also details how the government will fund soil conservation efforts and offers financial incentives for sustainable land management practices. A Central Fertilizer Registry will track mineral, organic, and biological fertilizers used in agriculture. This regulation applies to anyone using land for agricultural, forestry, or other related activities.
The changes are part of wider agricultural reforms Cuba approved in 2026, including new laws on land ownership and use. The Cuban Soil Institute and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization have reported that over 75% of Cuba’s farmland suffers from problems like erosion and fertility loss, making these reforms critical.
