New rules take effect today that will allow U.S. banks to provide direct financing for exports to Cuba. Unfortunately, agricultural exports still remain under the Cuban trade embargo.  Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap says it only makes sense to lift that embargo and allow American ag products to flow freely to the island nation.

 

He says without the lifting of the embargo, other countries have a market advantage over U.S. farmers and ranchers.

 

Paap is hoping the new trade rules allowing other products into Cuba will eventually lead to lifting additional trade restrictions.

 

The current embargo means Cuba has to pay with cash in advance for U.S. ag products or those have to be routed through a third country to get to the island nation.