Fourteen months after President Obama began to normalize relations with Cuba, the USDA is asking for money to open an office in Cuba. “The goal is to alert Congress there is an expanded trade opportunity available with Cuba,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told reporters.
The proposal, which needs congressional approval, was bundled into USDA’s request for fiscal 2017 funding. Vilsack declined to discuss details such as the number of people who would work at the office.
“Agriculture will play an important role as the United States and Cuba expand relations, acting as a bridge that can foster cooperation, understanding and the exchange of ideas,” said the USDA. It said an in-country presence would “cultivate key relationships, gain first-hand knowledge of the country’s agricultural challenges and opportunities, and develop programs of mutual benefit to both countries.”
Decades ago, the United States accounted for half of Cuba’s food imports. The U.S. share is much smaller now but farm groups see the island as a natural market. By law, Cuba must pay cash for U.S. food and ag products. The country has limited amounts of foreign exchange and often obtains favorable terms from its suppliers. Food imports cost about $2 billion annually. In 2014, Cuba purchased $291 million worth of U.S. food, says the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, a private group that monitors commerce between the nations.