Ag Leaders Travel to Cuba

Advocates and authorities on U.S. agriculture traveled to Cuba earlier this month to talk with Cuban government officials about the opportunities for both countries if the United States lifts the trade embargo with Cuba.

The Western Farm Press reported that representatives from the U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers joined the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba to renew a call for Congress to end the U.S. trade embargo.

While the embargo keeps Cuban consumers from receiving U.S. goods, wheat industry officials say the action actually punishes U.S. farmers and manufacturers. Cuba is the biggest wheat importer in the Caribbean and quickly accessible from ports in the U.S. Gulf.

“Cuba represents untapped trade potential within our own hemisphere,” said NAWG President Brett Blankenship. "An end to the embargo would greatly benefit the U.S. export economy. Our wheat growers stand with America’s farm and business leaders to promote trade with Cuba.” S