Stallman Urges Congress to Ease Cuba Trade Restrictions
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 11, 2010—When
it comes to competing for agricultural trade with Cuba, the United
States is its own worst enemy. In testimony today before the House
Agriculture Committee, American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob
Stallman called on congressional members to support the Travel
Reform and Export Enhancement Act, or H.R. 4645, which would
lift some key U.S.-imposed restrictions on trade with Cuba.
Because of the great market
potential, the American Farm Bureau Federation has been an advocate for
easing restrictions on exports to Cuba and is a supporter of H.R. 4645,
sponsored by House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and
Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). The bill would reverse the restrictions on
"payment of cash in advance," eliminate the third country bank
requirement and lift the ban on travel. According to AFBF, passage of
the legislation would make agriculture a strong player in the Cuban
market and increase U.S. agricultural exports.
"We have seen the promise the
market holds," said Stallman. "Unfortunately, because of restrictions on
U.S exports to Cuba, U.S. farmers have not been able to benefit from the
full potential of the market."
U.S. agriculture has seen
significant growth, but has also experienced significant setbacks, since
being allowed to trade with Cuba in 2000. On average the United States
has exported roughly $320 million in agricultural products per year
since 2000, reaching a high of almost $700 million in 2008. But, said
Stallman, the United States is not viewed by Cuba as a reliable supplier
due to our sales restrictions and the ability of the U.S. government to
"alter those restrictions at a whim."
"Our competitors do not have the
same obstacles in trading with Cuba we face," said Stallman.
"Eliminating these restrictions will decrease the advantages the United
States has given our competitors and restore the advantage to U.S.
farmers. These actions will make it easier for Cuba to purchase U.S.
commodities and, most importantly, will reduce the cost of purchasing
our commodities."
The United States exports a
variety of commodities to Cuba. Of those, grain and feed has
consistently topped sales, reaching $369 million and making up more than
half of agriculture’s total exports to the country in 2008. The U.S.
also exports a wide range of other commodities to Cuba including
oilseeds, meats and dairy.
"U.S. agriculture is not
requesting the embargo be lifted, but rather for Congress to take the
small step of lifting key restrictions that will increase U.S.
agriculture’s competitiveness in the market," said Stallman. "Now is the
time for Congress to take action to ease some of the current trade
restrictions
