Washington, D.C. – U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) applauds the inclusion of Senator Heitkamp’s amendment, which permits the use of FMD/MAP funds for Cuba, into the Farm Bill. The amendment represents not only the opportunity to increase the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture, but the first legislation passed regarding Cuba in 17 years.
“This is a step in the right direction towards normalizing trade with Cuba,” said Paul Johnson, chair of the USACC. “It underscores the common sense of consistent trade policy that allows our farmers and ranchers to level the playing field in global markets and permits the private sector to compete in Cuba.”
“As a Kansas farmer, I know the importance of opening up new markets and how that impacts the lives of farmers. We need a new approach with Cuba that is dynamic and thoughtful. Six decades of embargo have done nothing to advance the interests of our U.S. foreign policy, our farmers and ranchers, or the Cuban people,” said Doug Keesling, who grows wheat, grain sorghum and corn in central Kansas.
USACC
The USACC is the premier U.S. agriculture organization that seeks to build relations and expand commerce between the United States and Cuba. USACC believes that normalizing trade relations between the U.S. and Cuba will provide the U.S. farm and business community with new market access opportunities, drive enhanced growth in both countries and allow U.S. farmers, ranchers and food companies to efficiently address Cuban citizen’s food security needs.