Cuban Embargo Discussed in Washington
Agricultural leaders support legislation to lessen restrictions on Cuba.
Compiled by staff
Published: Sep 20, 2010
A panel in Washington, D.C. last week discussed H.R. 4645, which would remove obstacles to legal sales of U.S. agricultural commodities to Cuba and end travel restrictions on all Americans to Cuba.
"We are facing more than 50 years of failed policy with Cuba," said National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson. "The self-imposed embargo is not working. The time is now for change."
Johnson, who as North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner lead several trade missions to Cuba, noted that in the current economic environment, it is vital to take advantage of all opportunities that will open markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers to sell their products.
Johnson was joined on the panel by Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.; House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Congressman Collin Peterson, D-Minn.; and House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Chairman Congressman Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa. The group emphasized the importance of passing the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act.
Minnesota Farmers Union Member Mike Ratka also spoke on the panel in support of ending the embargo. Ratka said passage of this legislation would be a significant step toward tearing down artificial walls put in place by past administrations and Congressional actions. He said that allowing for U.S. agricultural sales to Cuba makes sense since it is in our own backyard.
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Tagged: farm, legal, farm commodities
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