U.S. Corn Growers: Re-establish trade with Cuba

1/28/2009 4:04:00 PM

National Corn Growers Association Urges Reopening Of Trade With Cuba

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), along with other agricultural producers, food processors and exporters, sent a letter to President Obama urging his administration to consider re-opening trade and economic relations with Cuba. Opening trade and travel would allow Cuba to buy more products from the U.S. and would significantly improve the United States’ relationship with other trading partners in the region.

“With Cuba being just 90 miles off the coast of Florida, it makes perfect sense to re-open trade and travel,” Bill Hoffman, Chairman of the Joint Trade Action Team said. “Building the United States’ relationship with Cuba would not only bring immediate benefits to agriculture but would also allow America to assist Cuban citizens with humanitarian needs.”

Last year, 104 members of the House of Representatives and 24 Senators sent letters on this same issue, demonstrating strong bipartisan support for this issue.

In addition to NCGA, organizations that signed the letter include American Farm Bureau Federation, American Meat Institute, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Chicken Council, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Milk Producers Federation, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Sorghum Producers, National Turkey Federation, North American Export Grain Association, North American Millers Association, Northarvest Bean Growers Association, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council, USA Rice Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, U.S. Grains Council, US Rice Producers Association and U.S. Wheat Associates.

Click here for a copy of the letter to President Obama. (PDF File)