Cuba and the United States sign an agreement to improve rice production on the island

Cuba and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at improving  rice production on the island.

The agreement, signed at the Credit and Services Cooperative (CCS) 28 de Enero, in Boyeros, Havana, establishes a framework for collaboration between the Institute of Grain Research (IIG) of Cuba and the Agricultural Center of Louisiana State University, as reported by the official portal Cubadebate.

According to the note, the memorandum aims to maximize rice production in Cuba by applying advanced scientific and technological knowledge provided by the American institution.

The agreement includes technical exchanges between both institutes, the development of new seed varieties, and joint research projects.

Representing the United States, the agreement was signed by Mike Strain, Commissioner of Agriculture for Louisiana, and Matt Lee, Dean of the university center, who emphasized the commitment to share experiences and promote joint research.

On behalf of Cuba, the agreement was signed by Joel Ribet Molleda, General Director of the IIG, and Yojan García Rodas, Director of Development at the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG), in the presence of Deputy Minister Maury Echevarría Bermúdez.

"This is another step in a long journey that we hope to take together," Strain stated.

According to Deputy Minister Echevarría, this is the fourth memorandum signed between Cuba and the United States in recent years, despite the restrictions of the economic embargo imposed by Washington and the escalating widespread crisis on the island.

Among the previous agreements are collaborations in the fields of plant and animal health, as well as the validation of U.S. potato seeds adapted to the conditions of Cuba.

After the signing, the delegation interacted with producers from the CCS 28 de Enero, which is dedicated to various crops and agricultural services in Havana and other provinces.

The state of Louisiana is a leader in rice production in the United States.