CUBA Travel
Sustainable community development with the farm as the fulcrum using Agroecological concepts through foreign exchange in a dialectic approach is NEEMs core mission at Organoponico NEEM in Durham.
Watch video’s: Elizabeths NEEM Documentary - https://vimeo.com/62044711 (password: cuba 2013), Organoponico NEEM A Wandering Feast or, Culture Day – 3 farms in Durham
Natural Environmental Ecological Management
People-to-People Exchange OFAC license No. CT-2012-292919-1
CUBA Brigades are “Cause Related”
NEEM Brigades are “Cause Related” with proceeds feeding organic to the disadvantaged. We often are in and around Havana and based (unless otherwise specified) with Dr. Fernando Funes, President of GAO, recipient of Right Livelihood Award, or Mr. Ensminger as NEEM Founder as host when possible and announced. You will have an engaging experience & relax. We stay at cool places where you have Internet, cabs, some amenities, nothing fancy – just nice and comfortable. Spend your time enjoying Cuba. We have a “CUBAN Attitude” – live life, music, food and culture. Seed to Plate! A Wandering Feast.
You’re invited to a once-in-a-lifetime experience; a NEEM Brigade in CUBA!
Round Trip Miami – Havana – Miami (MIA) w/Cuban Visa & Insurance cost about about $499. Ground transportation/driver/guide/host/NEEM/Double Hotel/Breakfast/Lunches (M-F). One farewell dinner and dinner with ordinary Cuban family are split by the delegates. Total 1 week, 8 & occasionally 9/10 day average costs w/MIA RT is $2300 – $2800 and subject to change and itinerary. Rates vary per hotel, itinerary and ground. PLAN AHEAD and register to secure date. All final documents and payments are due ASAP at around 60 – 45 days before departure. Delegations fill quickly. Your commitment insures space on a first come first served basis.
Contact: neem@mindspring.com or call: 919-683-1244 (leave ALL information and e-mail).
NEEM People to People Schedule:
Announcement’s:
On the borders of Durham, San Francisco & Cuba! NEEM and our partners at ACTAF with Global Exchange - a sustainable collaboration.
1st Cuba International Neem Conference 2014 – Date TBA for 2014
2013 NEEM Brigades with Global Exchange:
JANUARY 4th – JANUARY 13th 2013: 9 days - full-closed
CUBA Seed to Plate – A Wandering Feast Havana/Artemisa, Pinar del Rio hosted by the founders of the movement in Cuba responsible for creation of 33,000 urban farms and led by Executive Chef Farmer and founder of NEEM. This is a People to People Exchange delegation for travelers’, and an immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems, social justice, policy and practice in Cuba with unprecedented access to Cuban Agriculturist and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the end of the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production.
JANUARY 11th – JANUARY 18th 2013: 7 day - full – closed
CUBA Seed to Plate – A Wandering Feast™ of the sustainably produced foods of Cuba. Havana/Matanzas . This is a People to People Exchange Tour for travelers, and an immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems, social justice, policy and practice in Cuba, unprecedented access to Cuban Agriculturist and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the day with this countries sustainable production.
FEBRUARY 8th – FEBRUARY 15th 2013 - 7 days – closed
FEBRUARY 17th – FEBRUARY 24th 2013: 8 days – closed
CUBA – Agroecology & Culinary – “Seed to Plate™” Havana/Artemisa hosted by the founders of the movement in Cuba responsible for creation of 33,000 urban farms and led by Executive Chef Farmer and founder of NEEM. This is a People to People Exchange delegation for travelers, and immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems, social justice, and the cool spots to eat in Cuba. Celebrate the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production.
MARCH 15th – MARCH 22nd 2013: 8 days- closed
CUBA Seed to Plate – A Wandering Feast™ of the sustainably produced foods of Cuba. Havana Urban AG Revolution This is a People to People Exchange Tour for travelers, and an immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems, social justice, policy and practice in Cuba, unprecedented access to Cuban Agriculturist and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the end of the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production.
MARCH 29th – APRIL 5th 2013: 8 days Closed
CUBA – Agroecology, Culinary, Sustainable and Organic Urban AG – “Seed to Plate”™ Havana/Artemisa, Matanzas hosted by the founders of the movement in Cuba responsible for creation of 33,000 urban farms and led by Executive Chef Farmer and founder of NEEM. This is a People to People Exchange delegation for travelers and immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems, social justice in Cuba and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the day end with the fruits of this countries sustainable production.
APRIL 6th – APRIL 15th 2013: 9 days Closed
CUBA Seed to Plate – A Wandering Feast™ of the sustainably produced foods of Cuba. Havana Urban AG Revolution This is a People to People Exchange Tour for travelers, and an immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems, social justice, policy and practice in Cuba, unprecedented access to Cuban Agriculturist and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the end of the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production.
APRIL 14th – APRIL 21st 2013: 8 days Closed
CUBA Seed to Plate – A Wandering Feast™ of the sustainably produced foods of Cuba. Havana & Matanzas. This is a People to People Exchange Tour for travelers, and an immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, farm systems, bio-reserve, policy and practice in Cuba, unprecedented access to Cuban Agriculturist and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the end of the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production. open
APRIL 26th – MAY 3rd 2013: 8 days – Closed
CUBA – Agroecology – “Seed to Plate” ™ Havana/Pinar del Rio hosted by the founders of the movement in Cuba responsible for creation of 33,000 urban farms and led by Executive Chef Farmer and founder of NEEM. This is a People to People Exchange delegation for travelers, and immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems, social justice, and the cool spots to eat in Cuba. Celebrate the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production.
MAY 10th – MAY 18th 2013: 8 days w/NEEM and Global Exchange private Contract – Closed
GROWING POWER, RULIV South Africa – the Urban Agricultural Revolution investigation of infrastructures required to support country level Agroecology and sustainable agriculture.
JUNE 1st – JUNE 11th 2013: Delegates information in by April 30 - Closed
CUBA Agroecology Brigade – “Seed to Plate” ™ Havana, Matanzas, Artemisa hosted by the founders of the movement in Cuba and led by Executive Chef Farmer and founder of NEEM. This is a People to People Exchange delegation for travelers, and immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems and food security in Cuba, unprecedented access to Cuban Agriculturist and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the end of the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production. open
JUNE 14th – JUNE 21st 2013: 8 days A Chefs Growers Culinary – one of a kind Delegation
CUBA – Chefs Move Chefs – Seed to Plate – Havana Only – A Wandering Feast™ of the sustainably produced foods of Cuba. Havana/Artemisa. This is a People to People Exchange Tour for travelers, and an immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, Culinary engaging US/CU Chefs, hands on, in Cuba and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production. open
JUNE 23rd – JUNE 30th 2013: 8 days Delegates – 3 signed w/NEEM and Global Exchange
CUBA Agroecology – Havana & Surrounds hosted by the founders of the movement in Cuba responsible for creation of 33,000 urban farms and led by Executive Chef Farmer and founder of NEEM. This is a People to People Exchange delegation for travelers, and an immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems in Cuba with unprecedented access to Cuban Agriculturist and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production. open
AUGUST 30th – SEPTEMBER 6th 2013: 8 days w/NEEM and Global Exchange
CUBA Seed to Plate – A Wandering Feast™ of the sustainably produced foods of Cuba. Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Havana. This is a People to People Exchange Tour for travelers, and an immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems, environment, the BioReserve, a research station, Cuban Agriculturist, and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production. open
SEPTEMBER 8th – SEPTEMBER 15th 2013: 8 days w/NEEM and Global Exchange
CUBA Agroecology and Sustainable infrastructure – Havana/Artemisa hosted by the founders of the movement in Cuba responsible for creation of 33,000 urban farms and led by Executive Chef Farmer and founder of NEEM. This is a People to People Exchange delegation for travelers, and an immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems, social justice in Cuba, unprecedented access to Cuban Agriculturist, organoponicos and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production. open
SEPTEMBER 15th – SEPTEMBER 22nd 2013: 8 days w/NEEM and Global Exchange
CUBA Seed to Plate – A Wandering Feast™ of the sustainably produced foods of Cuba. Havana/Artemisa & Matanzas. This is a People to People Exchange Tour for travelers, and an immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems, social justice, policy and practice in Cuba, unprecedented access to Cuban Agriculturist and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the end of the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production. open
OCTOBER 11th – OCTOBER 18th 2013: 8 Days NEEM and Global Exchange
CUBA Agroecology and Culinary – “Seed to Plate”™ Havana, Vinalles, Pinar del Rio hosted by the founders of the movement in Cuba and led by Executive Chef Farmer and founder of NEEM. This is a People to People Exchange delegation for travelers, and immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems and food security in Cuba, unprecedented access to Cuban Agriculturist and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the end of the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production. open
OCTOBER 19th – OCTOBER 31st 2013: 12 Days NEEM and Global Exchange
CUBA Seed to Plate – A Wandering Feast™ of the sustainably produced foods of Cuba. MIA to Santiago, Guantanamo, the Neem Project, Sancti Spiritus & Havana. This is a People to People Exchange Tour for travelers, and an immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, the Coffee lands, diversified agroforestry & the Neem project. This is an unprecedented whole island delegation. Celebrate the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production. open
NOVEMBER 23rd – DECEMBER 6th 2013: 14 days - 11 seats left
INTERNATIONAL PERMACULTURE CONVERGENCE - IPC – Havana, CUBA - Congratulations Cuba! Post convergence class DECEMBER 7th – 11th – this will sell out! Itinerary when available from IPC and Cuba will be posted immediately upon receipt. This is going to move quickly so you should to guarantee seats/room/ground/classes & Convergence. IF you want to attend you need to plan now – 1/3rd full!
Post Conference classes:
DECEMBER 13th – DECEMBER 20th 2013: 8 Days
CUBA Agroecology, Sustainable Agriculture & Culinary – “Seed to Plate” ™ Havana, Matanzas, Artemisa hosted by the founders of the movement in Cuba responsible for creation of 33,000 urban farms and led by Executive Chef Farmer and founder of NEEM. This is a People to People Exchange delegation for travelers, and an immersion in Agroecology, sustainable agriculture, urban farm systems, social justice, policy and practice in Cuba and the cool spots to eat. Celebrate the end of the day with the fruits of this countries sustainable production. $2500 – open
PAST DELEGATIONS: The Delegations in 2003, 2011, 2012 and 2013 delegates learned that the cooperative effort has results like dripping water that fills the pot. The IX International Congress on Sustainable and Organic Agriculture with 55 representative countries was amazing. All delegations are different. No itineraries are the same. Travel with NEEM is truly a Cuban experience comfortable, enlightening and extraordinary? We are serious about what we do and we are serious about having a great time while we do it.
WHAT WOULD YOU LEARN? That two peoples with one passion are separated only by distance and politics. That sustainable agriculture using Agroecological methods is possible on a country level in Cuba then it is also possible on any level. Our community’s notion of local as best is strengthened and that the small local system works, less susceptible to problems, and agroecologically sound.
Program Information
Price Includes: RT flight from Miami, Cuban visa, double hotel accommodations, two meals (Breakfast/lunch), M-F, translation, insurance, transportation, and program fees under OFAC People-to-People Exchange license. A letter with license information on our letterhead per delegate and OFAC regulations for travelers will be provided. Cost: Listed above, double occupancy, single occupancy supplement, $varies hotel. If a double is not gender or count available the supplement applies. Natural Environmental Ecological Management is not responsible for Government policy changes that affect cost or itineraries.
How to Register: Please chose your date, call, send your non refundable deposit of $400 to insure space before delegation fills (highly recommended). Final payment is due no later than 45 days before departure. Payments by MasterCard, Discover or Visa are welcome. It is important to get paperwork and commitments in on schedule to insure services. Cancellation 20 days prior is 75%, 15 days at 50% and within 5 days prior no refund. Refund request must be made in writing as an attachment to e-mail or hard-mail.
Contact NEEM with any questions about the program or logistics for this trip, at 919-683-1244 or e-mail: neem at mindspring.com (put CUBA in e-mail subject line). We look forward to hearing from you.
Travel and visa will be arranged by Natural Environmental Ecological Management, licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Department of Treasury with our Travel Service Providers.
Background
In the early 1990s, Cuba’s agricultural system and food supply were decimated by collapse of the Soviet Union compounded by the U.S. embargo. The then-USSR supplied the majority of Cuba’s food inputs (chemical fertilizers and pesticides, fuel for transportation, feed for farm animals, and almost 60% of Cuba’s food. Cubans refer to these years as the“Special Period”. Cuba also had to move from its historic Corporate Colonial Monoculture system to a diversified agricultural system in an effort to meet citizens’ dietary requirements.
Cuba was forced to adopt sustainable agricultural methods. Lack of chemical inputs demanded natural alternatives on a nationwide scale. Cuba is organic by default, they have embraced it and excelled evolving over 20 years to the Sustainable Agroecological model it is today. M.E. Ensminger, Agriservices Foundation founder, established AG-Tech Schools in Cuba in 1995 (Iowa State) said: “Cuba will be the first self-sufficient country of the 21st century”.
NEEM Founder, Author, Environmental Executive Chef & Farmer: Jeff Ensminger has traveled extensively in Cuba. He attended PABEXPO the historic U.S./Cuba Agricultural Exhibition as Bahama Organics CEO, NEEM director and North Carolina delegate with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture in 2002. He led U.S. delegations to Cuba on sustainable agriculture with most recent in 2011, 2012 and the upcoming 2013 brigades under NEEMs P2P license. He was awarded a certificate as an engineer in sustainable agriculture and led the last trip before People- to-People Exchange ended temporarily in 2003. Participants in that delegation were inspired, returned in 2004 and produced the famous documentary “How Cuba Survived Peak Oil”.
Ensminger is a long term member of the Latin America Working Group, Washington Office on Latin America, ECDET, LASA, OTA, CFSA, CEFS, an AMICI in the Monsanto suit and frequently in Washington on issues related to Agriculture, farm bill, Cuba, trade & ending the embargo. His upcoming book and documentary “Seed to Plate™ – A Wandering Feast™” of the sustainably produced foods of Cuba; is a “cause-related” book/series on Agroecology, Cuban Cuisine & culture with a percentage of sales going to NEEM and effecting positive change between our two countries!
NEEM promotes the Cuban model of urban sustainable agroecology locally, nationally, and internationally with programs through universities, cities, and communities. NEEM replicates the Cuban model because it is a cooperative model that is environmentally sound, ecological, efficient, successful with sufficient infrastructure. Cuba and NEEM’s methodologies developed through dialectic approach and information sharing in Washington, Cuba and North Carolina since 1997.
“The key to Cuba is agriculture; it always has been”.
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