News

John Deere to sell farm tractors to Cuba

Deere Vice President Charles Stamp signed the agreement to sell tractors to Cuba at the recent Havana International Fair. (photo courtesy Cuba Standard)

John Deere has signed an agreement to supply farm tractors to Cuba, the first direct sale of U.S. farm machinery to that island nation in more than half a century.

Deere spokesman Ken Golden told the Cuba Standard the plan calls for the shipment of several hundred tractors and associated implements over a four year period. He says the vast majority of the tractors to be sold will be the company’s baseline 5000 series, between 75 and 115 horsepower. A small number of 7000 series tractors could also be part of the sale.

Golden says the machinery will be mainly used in the dairy, row-crop and fruit and vegetable sectors. He says Deere believes improvements in the Cuban ag sector will improve food security for the Cuban people.

John Deere Finance, the company’s in-house entity, is handling financial arrangements.

Deere’s announcement follows news that a Caterpillar dealer will open a distribution center in Cuba, becoming the first U.S. company to have a physical presence in the high-profile Mariel Special Development Zone. According to the Cuba Standard report, both companies seem to be racing to establish a foothold in Cuba before the Trump administration slams the door. In July, President Donald Trump announced he would prohibit sales to armed forces-controlled entities.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!