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Administration hints at more trade with Cuba

The Obama Administration may be working toward improved trading relations with Cuba. During a recent Rural Tour stop in south Louisiana, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the President has indicated there may be the opportunity “for a new day” in relations with Cuba.

“Obviously it’s a two-way street; the administration’s position is going to depend a great deal on the response,” said Vilsack, referring to relations with Cuba. “We’re going to continue to promote trade not just to Cuba but throughout the entire globe.”

Vilsack points out that the U.S. has the advantage of an agricultural trade surplus amounting to about $12 billion.

“We have been working very hard to continue to open up markets that have been closed for far too long to our products,” said Vilsack, “and certainly Cuba’s an opportunity but it’s by no means the only opportunity.”

About $2.5 billion in U.S. food sales to Cuba have been recorded since legislation passed in 2000 allowing trade of agricultural products to the island nation.

The NAFB News Service contributed to this article.