Bill would boost marketing of agriculture exports to Cuba

Bill would boost marketing of agriculture exports to Cuba

According to the Department of Employment and Economic Development, Cuba ranked 170th on the state’s list of export markets in 2014, with a mere $166,700 shipment of medical goods there. Exports neared $52 million because of the high value of corn exports in 2008 but have tapered off more recently.

The agency helps scope out sites for potential trade missions, with the destinations selected by the governor. Department spokeswoman Madeline Koch said there were no plans for a trip to Cuba at this time. Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Margaret Hart said nothing is in the planning stages for her agency but a mission would be considered if the bill passes.

The measure could wind up in an agricultural budget bill now taking shape in the committee.

Ralph Kaehler, a cattle farmer from St. Charles who was on the Ventura trade mission, testified about Minnesota’s advantage of being able to move farm goods down the Mississippi River and into the Gulf of Mexico. His son, Cliff Kaehler, joined his father on that and other trips to Cuba. He told committee members that Cuba remains a largely untapped market.

“It’s not a question of if Cuba is going to be a big market,” Cliff Kaehler said, “but how are we going to capitalize?”

via NorthEast Calling http://ift.tt/1FT7wQ9