Cuba OKs private growers to supply hotels, restaurants directly, cuts out state-run middleman

Cuba OKs private growers to supply hotels, restaurants directly, cuts
out state-run middleman
Published September 09, 2013 Associated Press

HAVANA – Cuban authorities have authorized independent farmers to sell
directly to hotels and tourist-oriented restaurants.

Until now, private growers have had to go through a state-run
distributor to supply those businesses. State-run agribusinesses and
farm co-ops are already allowed to contract directly with hotels and
restaurants.

It's another step in President Raul Castro's gradual economic and social
changes, which began in 2010.

Castro has emphasized efficiency through decentralization of the
economy, which has long been dominated by the government.

However he says the reforms do not amount to a wholesale embrace of
capitalism.

The new rules were announced Monday with their publication in the
government's Official Gazette. They take effect Oct. 21.

Source: "Cuba OKs private growers to supply hotels, restaurants
directly, cuts out state-run middleman | Fox News" -
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/09/09/cuba-oks-private-growers-to-supply-hotels-restaurants-directly-cuts-out-state/