The general objective of this seminar is to present and discuss with experts, public officials and leaders of agricultural cooperatives in Cuba, some of the experiences in the region regarding the development of cooperatives and agri-food mini industries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Of particular relevance is the analysis of this issue in the current regional and international context, which has involved significant changes in the agricultural sector in several Latin American and Caribbean countries and in international markets for agricultural and livestock products.

Specific objectives:

1. Analyze the various strategies and methods adopted by countries in the region for the design and implementation of public policies to support the development of agricultural cooperatives, including the small and medium-sized agri-food industry.
2. Identify tools and mechanisms that have been successful in chieving productive development, economic efficiency and exporting progress of agricultural cooperatives and agri-food mini industries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
3. Propose some cooperative actions between the IBERPYME Programme and the authorities of the Republic of Cuba for the implementation of activities in the short and medium term, in order to support the development of the agricultural cooperative sector and the agri-food mini industries in that country.