In 1960 FAO, together with the Cuban authorities, conducted a study on the country's forest situation. Based on this study, the United Nations Special Fund approved in 1969 the Cuba-3 project "Forest Research and Training Center", which lasts for four years. This project oriented the performance of a program of reforestation and forest industries. Seven regional sub-stations were established for research and training activities and the Forest Research and Training Center was established. 

The current Institute of Agroforestry Research (INAF), integrated to the Agroforestry Business Group (GAF) to provide scientific-technical response to all the demands identified in the coffee, cocoa and forest branches, is constituted by a network of experimental stations that Covers the national territory. The main lines of research are: forestry, wood science, forest products, environment, entomology, genetic improvement, agro-technology of coffee and cocoa as well as other disciplines related to the development of communities.