ACTAFSan Antonio de los Baños, Artemisa, Cuba.- In correspondence with the changes and the new management model that is introduced in the cuban countryside, support each program of Agriculture on the basis of knowledge and science, is the main role of professionals of the Cuban Association of Agricultural and Forestry Technicians (ACTAF) in this location.
ACTAF has as strategic mission, the integration to actions that contribute to sustainable agricultural development on agro-ecological basis, so states Sulemis Olivera, Secretary of communication of the association in Ariguanabo. She adds that they enhance knowledge management, coordinating technicians and teachers as well as other actors to contribute to agricultural and forestry development from sustainable forms. The Secretary of communication also says that they make agreements with the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP) and carry out educational lectures and activities with the participation of farmers, taking into account the objective of contributing to raise efficiency with the rational use of resources and the proper use of scientific and technical progress.
She said: ‘’It is necessary to increase agricultural yields and improve soil conservation; the application of agro-ecology, seed improvement and compliance with technical standards for each crop’’. Annually, the association together with other organizations convened contests to promote vocational training, care and protection of nature, the creation of nurseries, the reforestation and consumption of fruits, fresh vegetables and herbs; creating environmental conservation values and love for the land in harmony with nature and society.