The U.S. farm sector usually discusses Cuba in terms of possible growth in sales to a nearby market, although trade is limited by the trade embargo enacted during the Cold War. An agricultural delegation of nearly 100 people, including two former U.S. agriculture secretaries, visited the island last week. “I would use one word — potential, potential on both sides,” said Devry Vorwerk, who chairs the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba, during a teleconference to recap the trip. U.S. exports to Cuba could include equipment as well as food, she said.
On the Cuban side, the island could ship tobacco, seafood and high-value fruits and vegetables, Vorwerk said. But two-way trade would require removal of the trade embargo, partly so Cuba could get the investment and technology needed to expand its output. “Cuba is incredibly well-positioned to grow out its aquaculture industry,” said Vorwerk. “One thing we would like to learn about is their organic production.” President Obama announced last December a decision to normalize relations with Cuba. Vorwerk said none of the initial round of regulations that followed that announcement would allow the import of Cuban agricultural products. The administration has said it would make it easier to ship U.S. farm goods to Cuba.
The U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, which monitors trade, says $291 million of U.S. food products were sold to Cuba in 2014. The peak year for sales was 2008, with $710 million.