About Finca Tungasuk

Finca Tungasuk is an organic family farm just outside of Havana. The farmland was originally set aside by the Cuban government to encourage youth to take up farming and now serves to improve agricultural self-sufficiency. Originally an orchard, the farm was affected by a tree disease that required the state to destroy the trees in order to eliminate the threat. The team at Finca Tungasuk is working to restore the land to its original purpose while drawing from permaculture principles to create a more sustainable environment. As the orchard matures, they are growing and selling vegetables and working on a variety of projects including water catchment systems, wells, and erosion prevention infrastructure. Another mission of Finca Tungasuk and its friends is to recover and cultivate local heirloom and ”forgotten” fruits like guanabana, caimito, rollina, anon, mamey colorado, as well as the propagation of medicinal plants such as lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, and japanese mint. They serve as a model for other farms across the country.

A Snapshot of Agriculture in Cuba

As an island nation, Cuba imports 70-80% of food consumed by its population. Local organic farming plays a critical role in food security, environmental sustainability, and community health. Small organic farms continue to be an important source of food for the residents of Havana.

Volunteering at Finca Tungasuk

Finca Tungasuk often welcomes volunteers to spend the day working alongside locals at an organic farming cooperative outside of Havana. Planting, harvesting, weeding, watering, and above all learning about sustainable farming and connecting with local farmers are possible daily activities. Click on the “learn more” button below or check out their Facebook page to learn more about the organization and about volunteer opportunities. You may contact them directly through their site or you may use the contact form below (Note: The farm owners speak French, Spanish, and English).