A bipartisan group of Senators have reintroduced the Freedom to Export to Cuba Act. The legislation eliminates the legal barriers to Americans doing business in Cuba and paves the way for boosting U.S. exports that would benefit farmers and ranchers. U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba Chair Paul Johnson says the Freedom to Export to Cuba Act is the most comprehensive of the bills looking at trade with the island nation.
The legislation is being carried by Senators including Vermont’s Patrick Leahy, Wyoming’s Mike Enzi and Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap says Cuba imports most of its food and it makes sense from a humanitarian standpoint to help meet those needs.
The Freedom to Export to Cuba Act repeals key provisions of laws that block Americans from doing business in Cuba, but does not repeal portions of law that address human rights or property claims against the Cuban government. Johnson says that’s another positive reason for passing this measure.
Cuba represents a $2 billion opportunity for American farmers annually.
