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Grains Council leads exploratory mission to Cuba

U.S. Grains Council farmer leaders and staff have returned from Cuba where they checked out opportunities for expanding grain exports if trade with that nation is fully normalized.

The mission, which also included representatives of the National Corn Growers Association and the North Dakota Barley Council, was to assess the barriers that have limited sales to Cuba. Grains Council Chairman Ron Gray says U.S policies are standing in the way of increased trade with Cuba.  He says the embargo – in place since 1960 – has created an environment where export competitors such as Brazil dominate the market.

If Cuba purchased all of its imported corn from the United States, it would be the 12th largest overseas market for the product.

The groups visited with government officials and made stops at a Cuban port and at rice and corn operations.