US farmers, ranchers push for greater Cuba access

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Miami Herald/AP

Posted on Tuesday, 04.28.09
US farmers, ranchers push for greater Cuba access
By BECKY BOHRER
Associated Press Writer

NEW ORLEANS -- The farm lobby is using President Barack Obama's easing of some travel restrictions to Cuba as an opportunity to push for increased sales of rice, meat, vegetables and other goods to the island nation.

Congress cleared the way for Cuba to buy U.S. agricultural commodities in 2000. But groups such as the USA Rice Federation say a 2005 interpretation of the law by an arm of the Treasury Department, requiring payment before goods were shipped, severely restricted sales.

"More and more in Congress feel the Cuba (trade) policy has served its time and it's time for new and better ways to deal with" it, said Jamie Warshaw, federation chairman and a rice mill operator in Lake Charles, La.

At least 15 senators have joined agricultural groups in calling for greater trade with Cuba, including Montana Sen. Max Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He plans to introduce legislation to make it easier for U.S. farmers and ranchers to do business with Cuba.


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/AP/story/1021282.html

[Vogon_Glory]

1. Looks Like There's A Shortage of Cosmic Commie Killers In Farm States

It looks like there's a shortage of cosmic commie-killers in farm states. Farm-staters see the market for their goods opening up across the Caribbean and wonder why they can't sell to Cuba the way that America sold wheat to Russia and China back in the 1970's and 1980's.

What there don't seem to be are lots of Cuban emigre hardliners outside of Florida and New Jersey. I doubt that farm state senators and congressional reps have to worry very much about large, vengeful Republican-supporting Cuban emigre voting blocks waiting to take reprisals on those who trade with the Castro brothers.