The Cuban Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) announced on Wednesday the adoption of Resolution 161/2026. This new regulation expands retail store access for agricultural producers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-agricultural cooperatives, and self-employed individuals aiming to market their goods directly to consumers.
Signed by Minister Ydael Jesús Pérez Brito on August 25, 2026, the resolution is documented in the Official Gazette No. 75 Ordinary of 2026, on pages 150 and 151.
The key amendment involves changes to Article 21 of Chapter III, Section Four ("On Retail Marketing"), of Resolution 16/2026, which governs the Marketing of Agricultural and Forestry Production.
The revised article now permits agricultural and forestry producers, along with SMEs, non-agricultural cooperatives, and self-employed workers, to sell their fresh or processed products in retail networks, provided they have the necessary authorizations and certifications.
Significant Regulatory Changes
In addition to this alteration, Resolution 161/2026 repeals Article 3.3, Article 4, the entire Chapter VII, and Articles 47 and 48 of Resolution 16/2026, initially issued on February 2, 2026.
The regulation justifies these changes by highlighting "the approved economic and social transformations aimed at stimulating agricultural recovery."
The resolution is set to take effect seven working days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
Supporting Legislation and Context
This reform is backed by the Food Sovereignty and Nutritional Security Law 148, approved in May 2022, and Decree 143/2025, "On the Marketing of Agricultural and Forestry Products," which previously ended the state company Acopio's monopoly and opened the market to non-state actors.
Resolution 161/2026 was unveiled alongside a comprehensive agricultural legislative package featured in Gazette No. 75, spearheaded by Law 185/2026 on land ownership, possession, succession, and use, approved by the National Assembly on July 29, 2026.
The package also includes Decree 161/2026 from the Council of Ministers, signed by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz on July 23, 2026, which introduced negotiated prices between contractual parties and differentiated tariffs for certified organic products and those from agroecological guarantee systems.
Gazette No. 75 contains a total of 19 regulations, including MINAG resolutions on the slaughter and marketing of bovine and equine meats, the export of plant health articles, and the import of plants and veterinary medicine, marking it as the most extensive agricultural regulatory reform published in Cuba in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions on Cuban Agricultural Reforms
What is the primary change introduced by Resolution 161/2026?
Resolution 161/2026 primarily allows agricultural producers, SMEs, non-agricultural cooperatives, and self-employed individuals to sell their products in retail stores, provided they have the necessary authorizations and certifications.
When does Resolution 161/2026 take effect?
The resolution will come into force seven working days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
What other regulations were included in Gazette No. 75?
Gazette No. 75 included 19 regulations, such as MINAG resolutions on meat marketing, plant health export, and veterinary medicine import, as well as Decree 161/2026 introducing negotiated prices for certain agricultural products.