The amount of food exports going from the United States to Cuba totaled over $250 million in 2017, an increase of $50 million from 2016. Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman says that proves Cuba is a growing and important market for U.S. farmers and ranchers.

He says those food export numbers also mean it’s time to lift the trade embargo to allow goods to flow more freely and effectively between the two countries.

Lehman says the U.S. should lift all financial restrictions with Cuba to enhance trade because that would also be mutually beneficial.

Cuba recently purchased corn and soybeans from the U.S. and Lehman says that’s a benefit for Iowa’s producers.