Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says checkoff groups can now promote U.S. agriculture in Cuba. Vilsack says USDA will allow the 22 industry funded research and promotion programs to conduct authorized research and information exchange activities with Cuba. National Pork Board President Derrick Sleezer is pleased with the announcement and the possibility of getting pork into that market once the trade embargo is lifted.
He says having all the U.S. check off groups able to promote in Cuba will be beneficial for U.S. trade in the long run.
Sleezer says another advantage of having all U.S. check off groups promoting in Cuba is that they’ll be able to exchange research and information that will benefit both countries.
The Secretary’s announcement is a significant step forward in strengthening the U.S. bond with Cuba and broadening agricultural trade between the two countries.
