"You have been fighting the U.S. government for 40 years," the visiting Georgia farmer continued. "You have a lot of experience."

Slaughter was one of six farmers who landed at José Martí International Airport here February 12, wearing colorful T-shirts inscribed with the words "Farmer to Farmer: US Farmers Trip to Cuba."

At the initial orientation meeting for the tour, Slaughter and the others had a chance to explain to Armando Ramas, the head of International Relations for Associación Nacional de Agricultores Pequeños (ANAP) the reason that working farmers from the United States had come to Cuba. ANAP is the organization of small farmers here.

Ramas responded that "this is a historic visit. We have relations with other U.S. organizations but not with the deep points you have projected. Not with the same ideological point of view. This is the first time we have gotten U.S. farmers who have expressed a willingness to fight together with us for the land and social justice. This is a moment that is big in history."

The delegation is made up of six farmers from Georgia, Florida, and New Jersey as well as two activists in the Atlanta Network on Cuba, which played a major role in organizing the trip (see article on page 4).

Over the next two days the delegation visited several different types of farming cooperatives and spoke with the participants. The farmers were struck by the difference between what they have been told about Cuba and the reality that they have seen--especially the openness and friendliness of the Cuban people to visitors from the United States.

Anna Marie Codario, a teacher and small farmer, said, "This has been the greatest learning experience of my life. People kept telling me that the Cuban people would be hostile and that I would have trouble from the minute I got off the plane. This is not true. The Cuban people have been open and friendly, just as I thought they would be."

"I am mostly impressed with the solidarity with these farmers and their strong commitment to their system," said Karl Butts. "They are not isolated like we are with nobody to fall back on but ourselves. If we are sick the field doesn't get plowed, the crops don't get picked, sprayed, fertilized, or watered, and worst of all, when your income falls short of your bills, you are really by yourself. It's not like that here. You are never isolated and forced to go it alone."

Gladys Williams said, "I am impressed with the way of life in Cuba. There aren't people with guns standing around telling people what to do and where to go like some people said there would be. We have been misled and lied to for a long time but now I am here and can see Cuba for myself."  
 
 
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