Cuba's leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, once again pointed fingers at the United States embargo as the culprit for the nation's ongoing food crisis. This accusation was made during his speech at the FAO's World Food Forum in Rome. However, his remarks, when posted on Facebook, sparked a wave of criticism from Cubans who highlighted the government's internal policies and mismanagement as primary reasons for the shortages.
"The real blockade is here, and that's what needs to be overcome first," one user commented, capturing the sentiment of many who voiced their disapproval.
Díaz-Canel participated in the international forum with a video message, which took place from October 8 to 16 under the theme "Innovate Today to Nourish Tomorrow."
The U.S. Embargo: A Convenient Scapegoat?
In his address, Díaz-Canel emphasized that Cuba is grappling with the fallout from over six decades of a U.S. embargo, attributing this to difficulties in accessing markets, financing, fuel, and other vital resources. He also condemned what he termed a "criminal energy siege" and expressed gratitude to the FAO for mobilizing nearly $100 million in recent years to support Cuba's agro-food development projects. Furthermore, he announced Cuba's membership in the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, citing projects related to coffee and honey production.
Yet, these justifications were met with skepticism on Facebook.
"The blockade doesn't stop fishermen from fishing, doesn't control farmers' lands, and doesn't prevent people, even children, from drinking milk or eating beef," one user challenged.
Internal Policies Under Fire
Another commenter questioned whether U.S. sanctions are solely to blame for the lack of supplies: "Hey Miguel, if there's a blockade, how are MLC stores and supermarkets so well-stocked?"
The criticisms also targeted limitations on private producers, regulations on fishing and livestock, the decline of the sugar industry, and the state's investment priorities.
A Nation Struggling with Hunger
The food crisis in Cuba is palpable in households across the country. A survey by the Food Monitor Program, released in May 2026 and based on 2,513 responses collected in 2025, revealed that 33.9% of households had at least one member go to bed hungry in the past 30 days. Moreover, the study indicated that 94.9% of respondents had diminished purchasing power for food over the last year, and 80.4% said power outages affected their ability to cook.
Alberto López Díaz, the Minister of the Food Industry, admitted in June to severe failures in distributing basic basket items, including oil, chicken, and yogurt, as well as problems supplying milk to more than 100,000 children.
Trade Amidst the Embargo
Despite the embargo, food trade between the U.S. and Cuba persists. In August 2026, U.S. chicken exports to Cuba reached 21,809 metric tons, an 18% increase from the same month the previous year. From January to July, total U.S. exports to Cuba amounted to $674 million, with $118 million from frozen chicken, according to U.S. trade statistics reported by EFE.
Given this context, many Cubans continue to question why authorities blame the embargo for the country's economic woes.
"They've been saying the same thing for 70 years," one user remarked.
Another succinctly expressed his discontent with a pointed statement directed at the Cuban leader: "The blockade bears your name and the surname Castro."
Common Questions About Cuba's Economic Challenges
What is the main cause of Cuba's food shortages?
While the Cuban government often blames the U.S. embargo, many critics point to internal policies, government mismanagement, and restrictions on private enterprise as major contributors to the food shortages.
How does the U.S. embargo affect Cuba?
The U.S. embargo limits Cuba's ability to trade with and access markets in the United States, impacting financing, fuel, and other essential resources. However, the embargo does allow for certain food and medical exports.
Is food trade between the U.S. and Cuba possible?
Yes, despite the embargo, food trade continues. For instance, U.S. chicken exports to Cuba have seen significant growth, demonstrating ongoing trade relations in specific sectors.