U.S. Government officials are planning future talks with Cuba as they explore trade normalization. A State Department Assistant Secretary of State told Senate Foreign Relations committee members last week that future talks with Cuba will focus on human rights. Several committee members are concerned with Cuba’s past history on human rights abuses. American Soybean Association President Wade Cowan says it’s important the U.S. move forward with trading with Cuba.

Cowan says he doesn’t support any country mistreating its citizens. However, he says trade improves relations between the countries involved and generally leads to positive changes.

For normalized trade with Cuba to go forward, Congress will have to lift the 50 year old embargo. Last week the Obama administration began its fourth round of discussions with Cuban officials.