Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has blamed longstanding US economic restrictions for contributing to food production and distribution challenges on the island, calling for stronger international cooperation to address hunger.
In a video message at the 2026 World Food Forum, held from October 8 to 16 at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy, Díaz-Canel said Cuba’s food shortages stem from more than environmental conditions and market forces.
He cited more than six decades of economic, commercial and financial restrictions, arguing that they restrict Cuba’s access to international markets, financing, technology, agricultural inputs and fuel.
The president also reportedly criticised tighter measures introduced by the Trump administration since early 2026, saying they affect the food supply chain from planting and processing to transportation and distribution.
He warned....
