The organized queue on the outskirts, the cleanliness and good taste, the popular Mexican music, and the two warehouses with boxes full of agricultural products are just the most visible face of the recently reopened Los Almendros agricultural market.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- The commonly known "Bonachea" market looks totally different thanks to the work of almost thirty young people under the tutelage of usufructuary Argel Frank Fundora Acosta, prominent producer, and leader of the Mercasa project.
As part of the new commercialization policy that is implemented in the country within the Ordering Task, Fundora Acosta took over the premises in leasing; and, today, the air that is breathed in the spacious facility is different.
Argel, who is not intimidated by the challenges, told the Cuban News Agency that this new management model implies an important opening for restless and revolutionary producers like him; a strategy that translates into more food and satisfaction for the population that in these moments is severely affected by the COVID-19 and the economic and food crisis caused by its impact.
Tomatoes, beets, carrots, aubergines, cucumbers, celery, chili peppers of different species, papaya, mango, yucca, and the much-coveted plantain are sold in the perfectly organized points of sale, with affordable prices to the population, attached to what was approved by the Council of the Administration in this territory.
In alliance with the Provincial Delegation of Agriculture in Las Tunas, another 16 markets will also operate under this management modality to promote local initiatives that generate self-sufficiency and other prioritized issues in the context of the Ordering Task, such as employment.
Other details characterize the place that the clientele perceives without delay. It is about good service with kindness and seriousness when it comes to selling products; giving priority to the elderly and disabled persons; or, simply, demanding compliance with the measures to prevent COVID-19.
Among other attractions, a site is intended for the sale of mini-industry products. Vinegar, dry wine, whole grain seasonings, garlic and onion pastes, cassava, pickled vegetables, tamarind pulp, and others are available; most of them under the Mercasa brand, a project that the people of Las Tunas already recognizes for the quality and variety of offers, which Argel Frank Fundora defends as his maximum identity.
"Thinking like a country" is the phrase that accompanies the signage at "Los Almendros," an expression that is ratified when people like María García, a neighbor of the Buena Vista neighborhood, expressed that, although the market opening was less than 15 days ago, she is already assiduous 
because of the variety of offers and good quality.
Another client, Norma Velázquez Peña, 74, said that she did not live near the facility, but had already heard that the old "Bonachea" was terrific; and did not miss the opportunity to buy plantain, food that she pursues taking into account that she is caring for her 33-year-old son with a disability.
Los Almendros also has a place for the sale of ornamental plants and some fruit trees, including five varieties of lemon, cherry, among others.
"There is still a lot of space to take advantage of, hence the projections include a juicer, the sale of fresh and frozen meat, night service for the sale of fruit dishes, and also the sale of soup, a dish that distinguishes our province and the people of Las Tunas yearn to enjoy."
