Gov. Heineman Previews Upcoming
Trade Mission to Cuba

(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman will lead a 17 member delegation of Nebraska agriculture representatives to Cuba next week. The Governor departs Sunday, Nov. 4, and returns Tuesday, Nov. 6.

“I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish during this short visit,” Gov. Heineman said. “We’ve enjoyed a good relationship with the Cuban import authority during the past two years, and this trade mission is an opportunity to explore ways to expand those ties.”

The Governor will lead meetings with Alimport Chairman and CEO Pedro Alvarez, and is also expected to meet with Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Trade. The visit was scheduled to coincide with the annual Havana International Trade Fair, which the delegation will visit on Monday.

Since first purchasing Nebraska agricultural products for import in 2005, Cuba has purchased $60 million in commodities ranging from dry edible beans, corn, wheat, turkey, pork, and beef, along with soybeans and other soy products.

Greg Ibach, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will make the trip with the Governor. Representatives of Nebraska’s corn and soybean sectors are among those who’ve negotiated contracts during previous trips and will be returning as part of this visit. Most delegates on this trade mission will be exploring opportunities to build on their current presence in the Cuban market.

U.S. law allows for the sale of food, agricultural commodities and medical supplies to Cuba. This will be the Governor’s fourth visit to Cuba and the seventh international trade mission of his administration.