U.S. trade groups promote ag exports to Cuba

The formation of the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba follows the recent announcement by the White House to lift long-held trade and travel restrictions on the Caribbean island country.

   A group of large U.S. trade groups have lined up to form a coalition to promote agricultural exports to Cuba.
   The formation of the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba follows the recent announcement by the White House to lift long-held trade and travel restrictions on the Caribbean island country. 
   “Like any new and developing market, Cuba represents a great opportunity for soybean farmers in the U.S.,” said Wade Cowan, American Soybean Association president, in a statement. ASA is one of the charter members of the coalition.
   Soybeans, along with soybean meal and oil, represent the nation’s largest agricultural export, and soy meal is a major protein source in pork and poultry feed. The demand for these products has increased in Cuba, according to ASA.
   “As part of the USACC, we’ll work with our fellow organizations at all points in the supply chain to ensure that the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba is one that benefits both our countries,” Wade said.
   “As an organization strongly supportive of an open, rules-based global trading system, we look forward to working with all sectors of the business community supportive of this initiative to normalize our trade relations with Cuba, ” said Bill Reinsch, president of the National Foreign Trade Council. 
   More information on the USACC, including a list of charter members, can be found at USAgCoalition.com.