13th Congress of the Cuban Association of Small Farmers kicks off today in Havana

 HAVANA, Cuba, May 16 (ACN) The 13th Congress of the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP by its Spanish acronym) will open today at the Havana Convention Center with the call to hold a meeting at the level of current challenges and tasks.

The event, which will last until Saturday, May 17 (the date on which the Day of the Cuban Farmers), will address in its working commissions issues related to structural strengthening and internal functioning, political-ideological work, with special emphasis on the work with young people, and the economic-productive section, essential for the sector.

In a recent presentation on the television program Mesa Redonda, Felix Duartes Ortega, member of the Council of State and national president of ANAP, said that the new statutes of the organization, the result of a broad consultation process with cadres, directors and cooperative members, will be submitted to the plenary for approval, and the new National Committee will be elected by the delegates.

He pointed out among the main challenges to increase food production despite the current limitations; to improve agricultural yields (currently low due to lack of inputs); to respond to the growing population demand; and to share successful experiences among producers.

This Congress will be a space to analyze concrete difficulties, socialize good practices and outline strategies towards food sovereignty; the Cuban peasantry, with its wisdom and dedication, is called to be a fundamental protagonist in the solution of the food challenge that the nation faces today, Duartes Ortega concluded.