Cuban News Agency

---

Anastasio Herrera said exports this first half year already passed the 640
ton mark, especially charcoal made out of marabou, and when he started in
his current position in 2002, exports were of 60 tons a year.

Currently, this activity is carried out by more than 60 farmers, who have
an payment system adjusted to the final results of labor, differentiated
food, clothing and proper protection, he said.

Estela Fernandez, Quality Specialist in the company, said that experts are
closely monitoring the production, from cutting of the logs to packaging
in bags, a process that takes about 20 days.

Every moment has specific technical parameters, which include the size and
thickness of the logs, measures that vary depending on the plant that is
used and the characteristics of buyers, she said.

The firing process is a crucial time, since a high percentage of quality
depends on the fire, its intensity and professionalism of the operator to
take out the coals on time and avoid their burning too much.

The loss of any of the qualities required in export contracts, affects the
economy and the worker, for that reason the controls and checks are very
demanding, she said.

Spain is the largest market for marabou charcoal this province produces.

So far, studies shows customer acceptance, which is manifested in the
prevailing high demand, she said.