Carlow, April 17, 2023. The Head of the Office of the Irish Food and Agriculture Development Authority (TEAGASC) received today in his office the Ambassador of Cuba, Bernardo Guanche Hernández. During the cordial meeting, both exchanged about the prospects for cooperation between Ireland and Cuba in these two strategic fields of development of both countries.
The Head of the TEAGASC Office and other officials of the entity, presented to the Ambassador the vision of their institution in relation to agricultural and food production, based on the Strategy approved by Ireland until 2030. In this sense, they delved into the levels of production in these spheres, based on the conception of family agricultural farms, as well as the use of regional advantages and the accumulated experience in the different types of production.
The Cuban diplomat, for his part, explained the Cuban potential in these fields, for which, among other institutions, the Caribbean country has the Agricultural Business Group (GAG). The same, in addition to an important network of agricultural companies dedicated to different productions, including fruit and seeds, also includes six research centres. Likewise, he addressed the transformations of the Cuban economic model and the difficulties Cuba is facing because of the US blockade and climate change, suffering increasingly intense droughts and hurricanes.
The meeting was a first step in the identification of potential cooperation in agricultural and food matters between both countries, based on the excellent bilateral relations that exist between Cuba and Ireland.
The TEAGASC office is located in County Carlow, in the Province of Leinster, South East Ireland, 84 km from Dublin. The city has played an important role in the country's history, acting as its capital in the 14th century.