Cuba Eats Local

When it comes to eating local organic food, Cuba is miles ahead of the U.S. — mainly out of necessity. Back in 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed and its food subsidies for Cuba dwindled, Cuba responded by setting up thousands of urban cooperative gardens. Now, after a string of hurricanes destroyed a third of Cuba’s crops, these gardens are returning to operation. These gardens are seen wherever there’s an undeveloped spot of soil, such as empty lots and rooftops — 86,000 acres of land are devoted to the gardens. Because the food is grown near population centers, there’s no need to truck produce over long distances. Therefore, prices are stable and less carbon is released into the air. Another benefit: Fertilizing chemicals have been replaced by natural manure, and beneficial insects are used instead of pesticides. How ironic that organic food in the U.S. is pricier than conventional food, while organic food in Cuba is more affordable. Questions can be sent to Jim Parks at jrparks@mac.com. To find out more about Jim Parks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.