Cuba is in the midst of a severe energy crisis and a growing humanitarian emergency!
Please make your donation by E-transfer to theurbanfarmer@shaw.ca
Brought on by the US energy blockade, the failing power grid, and the economic downslide since the pandemic, most Cubans are now facing blackouts of 20 hours or more per day and farmers are no exception. Food and clean water shortages, closures of schools, hospitals and other critical spaces and transportation shutdowns are becoming widespread. Communities are now more dependent than ever to get their food from urban and rural small farmers.
Growing food in the tropics requires regular irrigation which depends on energy to run pumps. Cuban farmers are smart, capable, and committed to feeding their communities. But they can only do so if they have reliable power on the farm. Solar power is now becoming common throughout the island - Cuban farmers just need a little help to take this step. During our most recent farm tour to Cuba in February 2026, we heard repeatedly that the most common barrier to growing more food was the lack of a reliable and predictable energy source.
Here is how you can help!
Please make your donation by E-transfer to theurbanfarmer@shaw.ca
SOLidarity with Cuban Farmers is raising funds to purchase small-scale solar installations to ensure energy security on small Cuban farms. Each system will cost between $3000 - $4000 USD (depending on the farm) and will guarantee farm resilience and energy security for years to come.
All funds raised will be used for:
An initial on-farm technical assessment to ensure that the solar system will best meet the farm family’s needs
The purchase of solar panels, inverters, batteries (when appropriate) and all wiring and hardware and in some cases irrigation pumps designed to run on solar power
Installation support to the farmer by qualified solar technicians and training/follow-up for ongoing maintenance and trouble shooting
The project will be administered by Ron Berezan (The Urban Farmer) along with three key Cuban facilitators (Chucho, Juan and Eduard) on the ground who regularly work with Cuban agroecology and permaculture farmers.
Your support will enable more Cuban farmers to produce more food for their families and their communities and to help the country transition to long term renewable energy!
Please make your donation by E-transfer to theurbanfarmer@shaw.ca
Email theurbanfarmer@shaw.ca or call 604 223 4800 to find out other ways to donate.
Intersted in partnering with us to bring more solar power to Cuban farmers who play a critical role in local food security? Please get in touch!
Thank you! Gracias!
Abel stands in front of his solar system that powers essential infrastructure at Finca Colon farm near the city of Remedios, Cuba. His energy independence ensures year round, uninterrupted food production!
The Bombino family has a beautiful, diverse small farm called
El Paradaiso (“Paradise”) near the city of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. They already have a very diverse, productive permaculture farm but could grow so much more with a solar system to power their irrigation pumps and other .
El Guajiro “organoponico” (urban farm) in Cardenas, Cuba grows much needed food for the local community. Joaquin explains to Ron that with only 3-4 hours of electricity per day at an unknown time, growing a steady supply of fresh fruits and vegetables has become extremely difficult. A small solar system would greatly enhance local food security and secure a viable small farm for Joaquin and his father who farms with him.