USDBC MEETS WITH HIGH LEVEL CUBAN OFFICIALS

USDBC along with representatives from other agricultural trade groups, met with Ambassador Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, General Director for U.S. Affairs for Cuba’s Foreign Ministry, in Washington DC earlier this month. Despite the renewal of several regulations limiting trade with Cuba, Cuba remains interested in engaging with U.S. entities whose commercial activities are still permitted by our regulations. Fortunately, those regulations remain favorable to agriculture. Additionally, for the first time, the 2018 Farm Bill included language allowing for the use of marketing funds granted under the MAP and FMD programs, to conduct trade development activities in Cuba. While we await implementing language outlining how those funds can be used, as recipients of both MAP and FMD, we anticipate conducting activities in Cuba in the near future. We are excited about the possibilities of seeing U.S. dry bean exports return to Cuba. We will continue to update on this opportunity as it develops.