Finca del Medio: a family agroecological farm in Central Cuba

Slow Food Farms are our response to the climate and environmental crisis. By bringing farmers together in a vast network, we empower the key players in the food system to unite, amplify their voices, share experiences, and work towards an agroecological transition.

Each month, we will feature a Slow Food Farm from a different part of the world, showcasing diverse ecosystems and social contexts to demonstrate how the agroecological model can be applied effectively in any setting.

Where we are and where we come from

Our beloved Finca del Medio is located in central Cuba and we will soon celebrate 32 years of life here, where we are all committed to agroecological practices as our way of life. When we moved to this place, it was in a challenging situation. The area, mostly with carbonate-rich brown soil, had been largely abandoned due to industrial agriculture, and many families had migrated to cities or other countries. At that time, people told us we were “going against the current” by choosing to settle here. However, our goal was to establish a sustainable family life, grow our own food, and live in peace.

The early years were particularly difficult. The country was going through a severe economic crisis, worsened by financial blockades and the loss of Soviet support. When we arrived, the farm had already suffered from years of conventional agricultural practices. The soil had lost much of its fertility, erosion was severe, and even the house was in poor condition. We had no electricity for the first seven years, and resources were scarce.

Agroecological Transition and Innovation

Poor agricultural practices and leaving the soil bare for most of the year led to the loss of 80 centimeters of topsoil across much of the farm, causing soil compaction and severely reducing its productive capacity due to its degraded physical condition. As we immediately understood that conventional farming methods were unsustainable, we gradually adopted new practices—though at the time, we didn’t realize they were agroecological methods. We focused on soil conservation and erosion prevention. Over time, the farm transformed. We developed and innovated tools for family farming and animal traction, improving efficiency while allowing time for education and knowledge exchange.

With additional storage and collection systems, our water capacity has exceeded 150,000 liters in the highest part of the farm, enabling daily irrigation through gravity-fed systems. In the lowest part, the family-built reservoir now holds over 55,000 cubic meters. Utilizing appropriate technologies such as windmills, photovoltaic irrigation systems, and hydraulic rams, we enhance the farm’s hydraulic sovereignty while ensuring sustainable water use and conservation.

Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Water was just one part of the sustainability challenge. We also introduced various technologies to make the farm more energy independent. One major innovation was the construction of two biodigesters, supported by the Biomas Cuba project, which process 600 kg of organic waste daily to produce liquid fertilizers and 6m³ of biogas. This biogas is used for cooking, heating water, and even generating electricity.

By 2018, we were able to cover over 80% of our energy needs through renewable sources, and by 2021, we achieved 100% self-sufficiency, incorporating solar photovoltaic energy. Additionally, we developed energy-efficient stoves that also allow for fruit dehydration, enabling long-term food preservation without additives.

Knowledge Sharing and Policy Impact

As our agroecological efforts progressed, the landscape changed, attracting others interested in sustainable farming. We became part of Slow Food and of national and international agroecology networks and this allowed us to combine traditional farming knowledge with modern scientific approaches.

Our farm became a reference point in Cuba and internationally. We actively participate in discussions on biodiversity, education, and public policy. In fact, we led the proposal for Cuba’s national agroecology policy, which has now been approved by the Council of Ministers and incorporated into the country’s Food Sovereignty and Nutritional Education Plan. This policy supports legal frameworks for agroecology, holistic land management, circular economies, and sustainable tourism.

Agroecotourism and community outreach

The farm covers 13 hectares and boasts a rich diversity of agriculture and livestock. The transition from a tobacco monoculture to a diversified food production system has allowed the farm to become entirely self-sufficient, providing all the food for both residents and visitors. We propose more than 20 different products for each meal, with over 35 varieties of fruit grown on-site. Protein sources include milk (processed into yogurt, butter, cream, and ghee), as well as chickens, eggs, fish, honey, fermented foods, flours, and various preserved goods. The farm’s design incorporates living fences, windbreaks, contour lines, and other sustainable practices, creating a thriving, edible landscape that supports both people and animals.

One of the farm’s complementary activities is agroecotourism. This not only provides additional income but also allows us to inspire and educate visitors from Cuba and around the world. Many guests have applied what they learned at Finca del Medio to their own farms and communities.

We also host agroecology workshops and knowledge-sharing dialogues, fostering a collective learning environment. Our goal is to contribute to the global transition toward sustainable food systems, demonstrating the potential of small farms within the broader ecological and economic landscape. After 32 years, our journey continues. What started as an isolated effort has grown into a recognized model of agroecological innovation. Being part of the Slow Food Farm program is a great opportunity to share our experiences and remain committed to advancing agroecology locally and globally.