July 4, 2005

A diverse economy in today’s global trade environment thrives by finding new avenues of trade for products in high demand. In order for our state’s largest industry to prosper over the long-term, we have to build and maintain strong relationships that provide opportunities to reach buyers interested in the high quality agricultural products Nebraska has to offer.

To the casual observer, Nebraska wouldn’t seem to need another trade partner, having already established nearly 180 international trade relationships. However, our farmers and ranchers have seen how quickly fortunes can turn with the onset of drought or the closing of doors to trade. The appeal of a nearby nation with strong demand for one of our state’s largest crops is hard to ignore.

Despite trade restrictions, Cuba has expanded its trade relationships in recent years, importing more than $1 billion in U.S. agricultural products. The ongoing U.S. embargo on trade with Cuba has exceptions for food and medical supplies, which was passed by Congress in 2000. Since then Cuba has gone from 226th largest market for U.S. agriculture exports to the 21st.

Therefore, I recently instructed the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to organize a trade delegation to visit Cuba from Aug. 13-17 in order to explore new export opportunities for our state’s agricultural products and medical supplies.

Trade and industry leaders have advised that this a key time to pursue opportunities for exports to Cuba, as there is growing demand among Cuba’s more than 11 million residents for products of which Nebraska has an ample supply.

The sense of urgency is real. Harvest time is coming soon, and if our products are to be sold and delivered this season we must act now. Current market conditions make this summer the most opportune time for a trade mission.

U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics show that the U.S. exported more than $400 million to Cuba in 2004, up from $260 million in 2003.

This is an emerging market we cannot ignore. The Cuban hotel and restaurant sector has a growing demand for meat products, and there is strong interest in the beans produced in western Nebraska, as the crop serves as a main source of protein. In 2004, Nebraska ranked first in the nation in great northern bean production, second in pinto bean and third in dry edible bean production. In addition to strong demand for edible dry beans, Cuba is also the largest importer of wheat and wheat products in the Caribbean.

This trade mission is not about international politics. It is focused on doing the best we can for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers by aggressively pursuing this fertile market. Nebraska stands to benefit greatly from this visit and we will use this rare opportunity to explore as many trade avenues as possible.

Outreach efforts to recruit those with potential interest in exporting to Cuba have already begun. Space will be limited, but anyone interested in participating in the trade mission should contact our state Department of Agriculture as soon as possible at (800) 422-6692.

It is our charge to find new agricultural markets abroad. Nebraska’s agricultural exports are known the world over for their high quality and exacting standards. I am confident that our team can help Cuban leaders recognize the quality of our products, and that this trip will provide new opportunities for our producers.